binnacle

¹ American  

[bin-uh-kuhl] / ˈbɪn ə kəl /

New York State Older Use.

1. a side branch of a river; millrace.

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binnacle ² American  

[bin-uh-kuhl] / ˈbɪn ə kəl /

noun

Nautical.

1. a stand or enclosure of wood or nonmagnetic metal for supporting and housing a compass.

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binnacle British  

/ ˈbɪnəkəl /

noun

1. a housing for a ship's compass

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Etymology

Origin of binnacle¹

1855–60, probably folk-etymological spelling of New York Dutch *binnekil, equivalent to Dutch binne ( n ) inner, interior ( ben ¹ ) + kil channel; kill ²

Origin of binnacle¹

1615–25; bin + ( bitt ) acle ( late Middle English bitakille ) < Portuguese bitacola < Latin habitāculum lodge, equivalent to habitā- ( inhabit ) + -culum -cule ²

Example Sentences

The instrument cluster — a thin, curved LCD panel — replaces the usual gauge binnacle.

From New York Times

Every version comes loaded with double-layered glass, fully adjustable heated rear seats, real wood trim, a 12-inch high-definition touch navigation screen and a binnacle between the front seats that can recharge your smart phone wirelessly.

From Golf Digest

Under the front binnacle, the display integrates status readouts with ongoing route data.

From The Wall Street Journal

On one side of the structure is a protruding gray steel window that Mr. Radic likens to a binnacle, the box that encases a ship’s compass.

From New York Times

The general of an army must be something more than a good regimental officer; the admiral of the fleet cannot teach common sailors the best way to polish the brass on the binnacle.

From Project Gutenberg