chorobates

• an instrument for finding the level of water, a ground-level, Vitr. 8, 5, 1 Schneid.

CHOROB´ATES(χωροβάτης), an instrument for determining the slope of an aqueduct and the levels of the country through which it was to pass. From the description given of it by Vitruvius, it appears to have differed but very slightly from a common carpenter's level, which consists of a straight rule supporting a perpendicular piece, against which hangs a plumb-line. The chorobates had two perpendiculars and plumb-lines, one at each end, instead of a single one in the middle. (Vitr. 8.5, 1; cf. Hesych. s. χωροβατεῖν.)

(χωροβάτης). An instrument for determining the slope of an aqueduct and the levels of the country through which it was to pass. From the description given of it by Vitruvius, it appears to have differed but very slightly from a common carpenter's level, which consists of a straight rule supporting a perpendicular piece, against which hangs a plumb-line. The chorobates had two perpendiculars and plumb-lines, one at each end, instead of a single one in the middle (Vitruv. viii. 5, 1).