Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Clock?

\Clock\, n. [AS. clucge bell; akin to D. klok clock, bell, G. glocke, Dan. klokke, Sw. klocka, Icel. klukka bell, LL. clocca, cloca (whence F. cloche); al perh. of Celtic origin; cf. Ir. & Gael. clog bell, clock, W. cloch bell. Cf. {Cloak}.] 1. A machine for measuring time, indicating the hour and other divisions by means of hands moving on a dial plate. Its works are moved by a weight or a spring, and it is often so constructed as to tell the hour by the stroke of a hammer on a bell. It is not adapted, like the watch, to be carried on the person. 2. A watch, esp. one that strikes. [Obs.] --Walton. 3. The striking of a clock. [Obs.] --Dryden. 4. A figure or figured work on the ankle or side of a stocking. --Swift. Note: The phrases what o'clock? it is nine o'clock, etc., are contracted from what of the clock? it is nine of the clock, etc. {Alarm clock}. See under {Alarm}. {Astronomical clock}. (a) A clock of superior construction, with a compensating pendulum, etc., to measure time with great accuracy, for use in astronomical observatories; -- called a regulator when used by watchmakers as a standard for regulating timepieces. (b) A clock with mechanism for indicating certain astronomical phenomena, as the phases of the moon, position of the sun in the ecliptic, equation of time, etc. {Electric clock}. (a) A clock moved or regulated by electricity or electro-magnetism. (b) A clock connected with an electro-magnetic recording apparatus. {Ship's clock} (Naut.), a clock arranged to strike from one to eight strokes, at half hourly intervals, marking the divisions of the ship's watches. {Sidereal clock}, an astronomical clock regulated to keep sidereal time.
\Clock\ (kl[o^]k), v. t. To ornament with figured work, as the side of a stocking.
\Clock\, v. t. & i. To call, as a hen. See {Cluck}. [R.]
\Clock\, n. (Zo["o]l.) A large beetle, esp. the European dung beetle ({Scarab[ae]us stercorarius}).