backstaff

noun

: an instrument similar to a cross-staff but fitted with a reflector and formerly used for taking the altitudes of heavenly bodies

Word History

Etymology

back entry 1 + staff; from the position of the observer, whose back is turned toward the sun when using it

First Known Use

1627, in the meaning defined above

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Rhymes for backstaff

• behalf
• carafe
• digraph
• distaff
• falstaff
• giraffe
• subgraph
• autograph
• biograph
• cenotaph
• chronograph
• epigraph