compass course

noun

, Nautical.

1. a course whose bearing is relative to the meridian as given by the navigator's compass, no compensation being made for variation or deviation.

Word History and Origins

Origin of compass course¹

First recorded in 1850–55

Example Sentences

There was no apparent road, but Sandy chose a compass course between the sage for the first few miles, then skirted the mesquite.

From Project Gutenberg

Altamont, at the controls, waited until they had gained five thousand feet, then turned on a compass-course for Colony Three.

From Project Gutenberg

Steering the boat on a compass course, Orloff devoted his whole attention to his task.

From Project Gutenberg

Complete rule for converting a true course into a compass course:1.

From Project Gutenberg

He knew that the ocean was off to the west thirty or so miles and he could reach it by flying a compass course.

From Project Gutenberg