line of shadows

1 definition found

line of shadows - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Quadrat \Quad"rat\, n. [F. quadrat, cadrat. See Quadrate.]
     1. (Print.) A block of type metal lower than the letters, --
        used in spacing and in blank lines. [Abbrev. quad.]
        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. An old instrument used for taking altitudes; -- called
        also geometrical square, and line of shadows.
        [1913 Webster]