Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Calipers \Cal"i*pers\, n. pl. [Corrupted from caliber.]
   An instrument, usually resembling a pair of dividers or
   compasses with curved legs, for measuring the diameter or
   thickness of bodies, as of work shaped in a lathe or planer,
   timber, masts, shot, etc.; or the bore of firearms, tubes,
   etc.; -- called also {caliper compasses}, or {caliber
   compasses}.

   {Caliper square}, a draughtsman's or mechanic's square,
      having a graduated bar and adjustable jaw or jaws.
      --Knight.

   {Vernier calipers}. See {Vernier}.

Source : WordNet®

calipers
     n : an instrument for measuring the distance between two points
         [syn: {caliper}, {calliper}, {callipers}]