n. One who or that which points.n. plural With the definite article, the two stars of the constellation Ursa Major which guide the eye of the observer to the pole-star.n. A light pole with a black ball on the end of it, used at the masthead of a whaler when the boats are down.n. Nautical, one of the pieces of timber fixed fore-and-aft, and diagonally inside of a vessel's run or quarter, to connect the stern-frame with the after-body. See counter,4. Also called snake-piece.n. A pointed tool; especially, one used for cutting, graving, boring, and the like: a term common to many trades: as, a stone-cutters' pointer; a silversmiths' pointer.n. A tool used by bricklayers for clearing out the old mortar in pointing brickwork.n. The lever of a railroad-switch.n. In printing, the workman who adjusts sheets by means of the point-holes on a press.n. A hint; an indication; a point; an item of information which may be used with advantage: as, pointers in a race or a game.n. See the extract and silker.n. Same as gun-pointer.n. One of a pair of bullocks yoked ahead of the pole-bullocks. See the extract.n. In surveying, particularly hydrographic surveying, a plotting-instrument comprising a graduated circle with three projecting radial arms capable of being set at given angular distances apart: used for the purpose of determining on a map the unknown position of a point or station by the three-point problem.