sext

n. [ L. sextus sixth, fr. sex six: cf. It. sestina. ] (Pros.) A stanza of six lines; a sestine. [ 1913 Webster ]

‖n. [ L. See Sextant. ] 1. (Rom. Antiq.) A Roman coin, the sixth part of an as. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Astron.) A constellation on the equator south of Leo; the Sextant. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. sextans, -antis, the sixth part of an as, fr. sextus sixth, sex six. See Six. ] 1. (Math.) The sixth part of a circle. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. An instrument for measuring angular distances between objects, -- used esp. at sea, for ascertaining the latitude and longitude. It is constructed on the same optical principle as Hadley's quadrant, but usually of metal, with a nicer graduation, telescopic sight, and its arc the sixth, and sometimes the third, part of a circle. See Quadrant. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. (Astron.) The constellation Sextans. [ 1913 Webster ]

Box sextant, a small sextant inclosed in a cylindrical case to make it more portable. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ For sextonry. ] A sacristy. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

n.; pl. Sextaries [ L. sextarius the sixth part of a measure, weight, etc., fr. sextus sixth, sex six. ] (Rom. Antiq.) An ancient Roman liquid and dry measure, about equal to an English pint. [ 1913 Webster ]

{ } n. (Mus.) See Sestet. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. A sacristan. [ Obs. ] Chaucer. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ L. sextus sixth. ] (Math.) Of the sixth degree or order. -- n. (Alg.) A quantic of the sixth degree. [ 1913 Webster ]