Cir'cuit1, n.
(sĭr'kĭt, 18), n. [Fr. & Pr. circuit, It., Sp., & Pg. circuito, from Lat. circuitus, from circuire or circumire, to go around, from circum, around, and ire, to go.]
- The act of moving or revolving around; as, the periodical circuit of the earth round the sun. Watts.
- A regular or appointed journeying from place to place in the exercise of one's calling, as of a judge, &c.
- A certain division of a state or country, established by law for a judge or judges to visit, for the administration of justice. Bouvier.
- That which encircles any thing, as a ring or crown. “The golden circuit on my head.” Shak.
- The circumference of, or distance round, any space; the measure of a line around an area.
The circuit . . . of Ireland is 1800 miles. Stow. 6. The space inclosed within a circle, or within certain limits. “The whole circuit of the heavens [in astrology] being divided into twelve hours.” Whewell. Circuit or circuitry of action (Law), a longer course of proceedings than is necessary to attain the object in view. — Voltaic or galvanic circuit or circle, a continuous electrical communication between the two poles of a battery; an arrangement of voltaic elements or couples with proper conductors, by which a continuous current of electricity is established.