Binnacle

Bin·na·cle

Binnacle

n.

[For bittacle, corrupted (perh. by influence of bin) fr. Pg. bitacola binnacle, fr. L. habitaculum dwelling place, fr. habitare to dwell. See Habit, and cf. Bittacle.]

A case or box placed near the helmsman, containing the compass of a ship, and a light to show it at night. (Naut.)

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