celestial poles

Pole \Pole\, n. [L. polus, Gr. ? a pivot or hinge on which
   anything turns, an axis, a pole; akin to ? to move: cf. F.
   p[^o]le.]
   1. Either extremity of an axis of a sphere; especially, one
      of the extremities of the earth's axis; as, the north
      pole.
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   2. (Spherics) A point upon the surface of a sphere equally
      distant from every part of the circumference of a great
      circle; or the point in which a diameter of the sphere
      perpendicular to the plane of such circle meets the
      surface. Such a point is called the pole of that circle;
      as, the pole of the horizon; the pole of the ecliptic; the
      pole of a given meridian.
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   3. (Physics) One of the opposite or contrasted parts or
      directions in which a polar force is manifested; a point
      of maximum intensity of a force which has two such points,
      or which has polarity; as, the poles of a magnet; the
      north pole of a needle.
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   4. The firmament; the sky. [Poetic]
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            Shoots against the dusky pole.        --Milton.
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   5. (Geom.) See {Polarity}, and {Polar}, n.
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   {Magnetic pole}. See under {Magnetic}.

   {Poles of the earth}, or {Terrestrial poles} (Geog.), the two
      opposite points on the earth's surface through which its
      axis passes.

   {Poles of the heavens}, or {Celestial poles}, the two
      opposite points in the celestial sphere which coincide
      with the earth's axis produced, and about which the
      heavens appear to revolve.
      [1913 Webster] Poleax