Clŏck1, n.
n. [A.-S. cluce, I. Ger. klocke, D. klol, Icel. klukka, Dan. klokke, Sw. klocka, O. H. Ger. glogga, glocca, clocca, M. H. Ger. glogge, glocke, N. H. Ger. glocke, klocke, L. Lat. clocca, clocca, whence Fr. cloche, from O. H. Ger. cloccon, clockôn, clockôn, clochôn, to strike, beat.]
Sense 1. An instrument or machine for measuring time, indicating the hour and other divisions by means of hands moving on a dial-plate. It usually includes a train of wheel-work moved by weights or springs, and regulated by a pendulum or balance-wheel, and is often made to mark the hour by the stroke of a hammer on a bell.
By the slow clock; in stately, measured chime, That from the mossy tower tremendous rolled. Warton.
Sense 2. A watch, especially one that strikes the hour. [Obs.] Walton.
Sense 3. A figure or figured work in the ankle or side of a stocking. Swift.
The phrases what o'clock? it is nine o'clock, &c., are contracted from what of the clock? it is nine of the clock, &c.
Astronomical clock. (a.) A clock of superior construction, with a compensating pendulum, &c., to measure time with great accuracy, for use in astronomical observatories; called a regulator when used by watchmakers as a standard for regulating timepieces. (b.) A clock with mechanism for indicating certain astronomical phenomena, as the phases of the moon, position of the sun in the ecliptic, equation of time, &c.—Electric clock. (a.) One moved or regulated by electricity or by electro-magnetism. (b.) A clock connected with an electro-magnetic recording apparatus.—Sidereal clock, an astronomical clock regulated to keep sidereal time.