What is "to rate a chronometer"

Rate \Rate\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Rated; p. pr. & vb. n. Rating.]

1. To set a certain estimate on; to value at a certain price or degree.

   To rate a man by the nature of his companions is a rule frequent indeed, but not infallible.
   --South.

   You seem not high enough your joys to rate.
   --Dryden.

2. To assess for the payment of a rate or tax.

3. To settle the relative scale, rank, position, amount, value, or quality of; as, to rate a ship; to rate a seaman; to rate a pension.

4. To ratify. [Obs.] ``To rate the truce.''
   --Chapman.

   To rate a chronometer, to ascertain the exact rate of its gain or loss as compared with true time, so as to make an allowance or computation dependent thereon.

   Syn: To value; appraise; estimate; reckon.

Chronometer \Chro*nom"e*ter\, n. [Gr. ? time + -meter: cf. F. chronom[`e]tre.]

1. An instrument for measuring time; a timekeeper.

2. A portable timekeeper, with a heavy compensation balance, and usually beating half seconds; -- intended to keep time with great accuracy for use an astronomical observations, in determining longitude, etc.

3. (Mus.) A metronome.

   Box chronometer. See under Box.

   Pocket chronometer, a chronometer in the form of a large watch.

   To rate a chronometer. See Rate, v. t.