/jim"beuhlz, gim"-/ , n. ( used with a sing. v. )
Sometimes, gimbal . a contrivance, consisting of a ring or base on an axis, that permits an object, as a ship's compass, mounted in or on it to tilt freely in any direction, in effect suspending the object so that it will remain horizontal even when its support is tipped. Also called gimbal ring .
[ 1570-80; alter. of GIMMAL ]