compass card

noun

, Navigation.

1. 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.

compass card

noun

1. a compass in the form of a card that rotates so that "0°" or "North" points to magnetic north

Word History and Origins

Origin of compass card¹

First recorded in 1870–75

Example Sentences

He produced a long, stiff wire, with which he pointed to the compass card.

From Project Gutenberg

She came aft to where I was standing, and, having looked at the compass card, gazed round her.

From Project Gutenberg

As you will see, by looking at the compass card, it is divided into smaller points which are not named on the card.

From Project Gutenberg

The rain, however, beat on its glass in such sheets that he could not possibly have read the compass card floating by the wick.

From Project Gutenberg

But the next morning when I cast off from the floe, it proved the beggars had stolen the compass card, needle and all.

From Project Gutenberg