easting

American  

[ee-sting] / ˈi stɪŋ /

noun

1. Navigation. the distance due east made good on any course tending eastward; easterly departure.

2. a shifting eastward; easterly direction.

3. Surveying. a distance east from a north-south reference line.

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easting British  

/ ˈiːstɪŋ /

noun

1. nautical the net distance eastwards made by a vessel moving towards the east

2. cartography

   1. the distance eastwards of a point from a given meridian indicated by the first half of a map grid reference

   2. a longitudinal grid line Compare northing

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Etymology

Origin of easting

First recorded in 1620–30; east + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

The bark County of Pembroke was running her easting down in the roaring forties off the Cape of Good Hope when she shipped a monstrous sea over the lee rail.

From Time Magazine Archive

For three days and nights they fought head winds, trying to make their easting.

From "Carry On, Mr. Bowditch" by Jean Lee Latham

We have seen that the latter are increased by a diversion of the counter-trade, and that they are avoided by making easting.

From The Philosophy of the Weather And a Guide to Its Changes by Butler, Thomas Belden

That coming from the poles will appear to have easting in them, and those going towards the poles westing.

From A Voyage round the World A book for boys by Kingston, William Henry Giles

It is delightful to be making so much easting, under sail, after having been buffeted so spitefully, by the east wind, for the last five months, whenever we have turned our head in that direction.

From Memoirs of Service Afloat, During the War Between the States by Semmes, Raphael