anchor escapement

noun

: a clock escapement employing an anchor-shaped pallet piece which causes the escape wheel to recoil slightly upon the locking action of each arm of the anchor

Word History

First Known Use

1798, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of anchor escapement was in 1798

The Ultimate Dicitonary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near anchor escapement

Cite this Entry

“Anchor escapement.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anchor%20escapement. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!