What is "cosmolabe"

Cosmolabe \Cos"mo*labe\ (k?z"m?-l?b), n. [Gr. ko`smos the world + lamba`nein to take: cf. F. cosmolade.] An instrument resembling the astrolabe, formerly used for measuring the angles between heavenly bodies; -- called also pantacosm.

n. An instrument resembling the astrolabe, formerly used for measuring the angles between heavenly body.

The cosmolabe was an ancient astronomical instrument resembling the astrolabe, formerly used for measuring the angles between heavenly bodies. It is also called pantacosm. Jacques Besson also uses this name, or universal instrument, for his invention described in Le cosmolabe (1567), which could be used for astrometry, cartography, navigation, and surveying.