Sĕx'tant, n.
n. [Fr. sextant, Sp. sextante, It. sestante, from Lat. sextans, sextantis, the sixth part of an as, from sex, six.] 1. (Math.) The sixth part of a circle.
- An instrument of reflection for measuring angular distances between objects, especially at sea. 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.
- (Astron.) A constellation situated across the equator and south of the ecliptic. Brande.
