The Collaborative International Dictionary
Gimbal \Gim"bal\ (g[i^]m"bal), or Gimbals \Gim"bals\ (g[i^]m"balz), n. [See Gimmal, n.] A contrivance for permitting a body to incline freely in all directions, or for suspending anything, as a barometer, ship's compass, chronometer, etc., so that it will remain plumb, or level, when its support is tipped, as by the rolling of a ship. It consists of a ring in which the body can turn on an axis through a diameter of the ring, while the ring itself is so pivoted to its support that it can turn about a diameter at right angles to the first.
Gimbal joint (Mach.), a universal joint embodying the principle of the gimbal.
Gimbal ring, a single gimbal, as that by which the cockeye of the upper millstone is supported on the spindle.
Usage examples of "gimbal ring".
Canted down on its gimbal ring, the big floodlight illuminated a circular swatch of sea only ten yards from the submarine: churning waves filigreed with icy foam, a seething maelstrom but one that was not too difficult to ride.