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\Plumb\, n. [F. plomb, L. plumbum lead, a leaden ball or
bullet; cf. Gr. ?, ?, ?. Cf. {Plummet}, {Plunge}.]
A little mass or weight of lead, or the like, attached to a
line, and used by builders, etc., to indicate a vertical
direction; a plummet; a plumb bob. See {Plumb line}, below.
{Plumb bob}. See {Bob}, 4.
{Plumb joint}, in sheet-metal work, a lap joint, fastened by
solder.
{Plumb level}. See under {Level}.
{Plumb line}.
(a) The cord by which a plumb bob is suspended; a plummet.
(b) A line directed to the center of gravity of the earth.
{Plumb rule}, a narrow board with a plumb line, used by
builders and carpenters.
\Plumb\, a. Perpendicular; vertical; conforming the direction of a line attached to a plumb; as, the wall is plumb.
\Plumb\, adv. In a plumb direction; perpendicularly. ``Plumb down he falls.'' --Milton.
\Plumb\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Plumbed}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Plumbing}.]
1. To adjust by a plumb line; to cause to be perpendicular;
as, to plumb a building or a wall.
2. To sound with a plumb or plummet, as the depth of water;
hence, to examine by test; to ascertain the depth,
quality, dimension, etc.; to sound; to fathom; to test.
He did not attempt to plumb his intellect. --Ld.
Lytton.
3. To seal with lead; as, to plumb a drainpipe.
4. To supply, as a building, with a system of plumbing.
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