pelorus

[ puh-lawr-uhs, -lohr- ]

noun

, Navigation.

, plural pe·lo·rus·es.

1. a device for measuring in degrees the relative bearings of observed objects.

pelorus

/ pɪˈlɔːrəs /

noun

1. a sighting device used in conjunction with a magnetic compass or a gyrocompass for measuring the relative bearings of observed points

Word History and Origins

Origin of pelorus¹

1850–55; perhaps < Latin Pelōrus, now Faro in Sicily, a cape which requires skill in navigation

Word History and Origins

Origin of pelorus¹

of uncertain origin, perhaps from Latin Pelōrus a dangerous Sicilian promontory

Example Sentences

But while they doubted, there blew a north wind from Pelorus, wherewith they sailed onwards, and Achmenides with them.

From Project Gutenberg

Directly opposite stood another building of the same sort, called the tower of Pelorus.

From Project Gutenberg

But while they doubted, there blew a north wind from Pelorus, wherewith they sailed onwards, and Achæmenides with them.

From Project Gutenberg

The center line of the pelorus should also be directly over the keel line of the ship.

From Project Gutenberg

Second, it must be remembered that the bearing of any object obtained from the pelorus is the bearing by compass.

From Project Gutenberg