noun
binnacle
BIN-ih-kuhl/ˈbɪnɪkəl/
A case or stand holding a ship's compass.
The ship's binnacle encloses its compass in a glazed brass hood.
Etymology
Binnacle probably traces back to “little dwelling place.” That image fits the shipboard case as a small home housing the compass.
In context
Thrusting his head half way into the binnacle, Ahab caught one glimpse of the compasses
More examples
- A brass binnacle stands beside the wheel.
- The crew secures the lamp above the binnacle.
- The museum displays a restored wooden binnacle.
Forms
binnacle · binnacles