4. (Surg.) A slender grooved instrument upon which a knife is made to slide when it is wished to limit the extent of motion of the latter, or prevent its injuring the parts beneath.
Di*rect"o*rate (?), n. [Cf. F. directorat.] The office of director; also, a body of directors taken jointly.
Di*rec*to"ri*al (?), a. [Cf. F. directorial.] 1. Having the quality of a director, or authoritative guide; directive.
2. Pertaining to: director or directory; specifically, relating to the Directory of France under the first republic. See Directory, 3.
Whoever goes to the directorial presence under this passport.
Burke.
Di*rect"or*ship (?), n. The condition or office of a director; directorate.
Di*rect"o*ry (?), a. [L. directorius.] Containing directions; enjoining; instructing; directorial.
Di*rect"o*ry, n.; pl. Directories (&?;). 1. A collection or body of directions, rules, or ordinances; esp., a book of directions for the conduct of worship; as, the Directory used by the nonconformists instead of the Prayer Book.
2. A book containing the names and residences of the inhabitants of any place, or of classes of them; an address book; as, a business directory.
3. [Cf. F. directoire.] A body of directors; board of management; especially, a committee which held executive power in France under the first republic.