As nouns the difference between timepiece and sundial
is that timepiece is any device that measures or registers time; a clock or watch, especially one lacking a chime or other striking mechanism while sundial is a simple timekeeping device in which the shadow cast by a vertical pole or plate (the gnomon) is used to indicate the time of day.
timepiece
English
Noun
(
en noun)
Any device that measures or registers time; a clock or watch, especially one lacking a chime or other striking mechanism.
Usage notes
* Strictly, a timepiece is a timekeeping instrument that lacks a striking mechanism (e.g., a bell, chimes, or gong) to announce the passage of time. One with a striking mechanism is a clock. Although this traditional distinction is overlooked by some, it is commonly noted in dictionaries, glossaries of clock terms, and reference books on clocks, in addition to being widely maintained among knowledgeable collectors, major auction houses, horological museums, and watch manufacturers.
sundial
Noun
(
en noun)
A simple timekeeping device in which the shadow cast by a vertical pole or plate (the gnomon) is used to indicate the time of day.
*
*:Elbows almost touching they leaned at ease, idly reading the almost obliterated lines engraved there. ΒΆ ("I never) understood it," she observed, lightly scornful. "What occult meaning has a sun-dial for the spooney? I'm sure I don't want to read riddles in a strange gentleman's optics."
