Lesbian rule

Etymology

Definitions

1. 1

   A flexible leaden mason's rule that can be bent around the curves of a molding, and thus…

   A flexible leaden mason's rule that can be bent around the curves of a molding, and thus used to measure or reproduce irregular curves.

   • Or, with a Lesbian rule—that strip of soft lead which could be pressed into a particularly satisfying molding to record its profile—we explored buildings that interested us.
   • Instead , the good architect would use a "Lesbian" rule, which "adapts itself to the shape of the stone and is not rigid."
2. 2

   A flexible principle, one which may be bent to accommodate or fit different circumstances.

   • He asks: “Is Scripture become a Lesbian''' rule and bowed to our fancies? But this is the very answer that a classical brother gave me […]
3. 3

   Alternative letter-case form of Lesbian rule.

   • It has to be, shall we say, you have to work with a lesbian rule, I suppose! You know what a lesbian rule is? It's a rule that you can bend.
   • Using slides of photographs from advertising and art, the authors discuss the importance of using "lesbian rules" (a term deriving from a mason's tool that allows measuring flexibility) to understand the dimensions of sexual expression […]

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