compass card
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noun Navigation.
a circular card with magnets attached to its underside, the face divided on its rim into points of the compass, degrees clockwise from north, or both, and floating or suspended from a pivot so as to rotate freely.
Origin of compass card
First recorded in 1870–75
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for compass card
Historical Examples of compass card
A subdivision of the compass-card, equal to 2° 48′ 45″ of the circle.
The Sailor's Word-BookWilliam Henry Smyth
The captain stepped to the binnacle, and read the compass-card.
Adventures in Many LandsVarious
He flew mechanically, his head bent down to stare at the compass-card.
H.M.S. ----Klaxon
The compass-card spun round like a teetotum, whirling faster and faster.
At last he laid the glasses down, glanced at the compass-card and walked to the cabin skylight which was open.
The RescueJoseph Conrad
compass card
noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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