Sextant

·noun The constellation Sextans.

II. Sextant ·noun The sixth part of a circle.

III. Sextant ·noun 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.