antimeter

noun

1. (obsolete)A modification of the quadrant, for measuring small angles.

   “A description of Mr. Garrard's Antimeter, or Reflecting Circle, may be seen in his pamphlet, published in 1785; and in the article Antimeter, by the Author of this work”

2. A contrasting rhythm or meter that deliberately interrupts or clashes with the naturally expected metrical pattern.

   “Blake and Dickinson looked in the same place for an anti-meter (Hollander's term) ; Blake's rough fourteeners employ a one-line adaptation of the meter Dickinson favored, the ballad or hymn stanza.”

   “The conflict between meter and antimeter is a critical aspect of the textural rhythm, and takes on significance as a rhetorical code that lends affective immediacy to the psychological drama of the recording.”

   “Later, Shemtov speaks of "antimeter”. Here she could speak of “antistanza”, with one difference. Emily Dickinson does not indicate what metre she avoids, whereas Apollinaire clearly indicates what stanza form he does not choose. But, unlike the “antimeter", this has no relevance to a feminist agenda.”

adj

1. Opposed to the use of meters (such as parking meters, water meters, etc.).

   “Hence, as might have been forseen, the few meters installed have not materially reduced the total wastage, and the antimeter people have been enabled to cry, I told you so!"”

   “After being fined one dollar for overtime parking, Howard Henry launched an antimeter campaign which resulted in two referendunms in which voters outlawed them throughout the State.”

   “By now the government realised that the anti-meter protesters were more than just the usual suspects like Bríd Smith and Paul Murphy.”