A device having a relation to the eye similar to that of the telephone to the ear, enabling distant objects to plague us with a multitude of needless details. Luckily it is unprovided with a bell summoning us to the sacrifice.

An optical instrument used in viewing distant objects, as the heavenly bodies.

a device to look through that makes far-off objects seem closer and larger

an instrument used for viewing far away objects, such as planets and stars

To slide or pass one within another, after the manner of the sections of a small telescope or spyglass; to come into collision, as railway cars, in such a manner that one runs into another; to become compressed in the manner of a telescope, due to a collision or other force.

To cause to come into collision, so as to telescope.

Capable of being extended or compacted, like a telescope, by the sliding of joints or parts one within the other; telescopic; as, a telescope bag; telescope table, etc.; -- now more commonly replaced by the term telescoping.