regulator

Definitions

1. 1.(Mach.) A contrivance for regulating and controlling motion, as: (a) The lever or index in a watch, which controls the effective length of the hairspring, and thus regulates the vibrations of the balance. (b) The governor of a steam engine. (c) A valve for controlling the admission of steam to the steam chest, in a locomotive.
2. 2.A clock, or other timepiece, used as a standard of correct time. See Astronomical clock (a), under Clock.
3. 3.A member of a volunteer committee which, in default of the lawful authority, undertakes to preserve order and prevent crimes; also, sometimes, one of a band organized for the comission of violent crimes. [U.S.] A few stood neutral, or declared in favor of the Regulators. Bancroft.

Source: Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913 edition (public domain, via GCIDE / Project Gutenberg).

Related questions

• What does "regulator" mean?

Reverse-dictionary questions

Definition-first questions whose answer is regulator.

• What is a clock, or other timepiece, used as a standard of correct time. See Astronomical clock (a), under Clock called?