mariner's compass

noun

1. a compass used for navigational purposes, consisting of a pivoted compass card in a gimbal-mounted, nonferrous metal bowl.
2. (initial capital letter) Astronomy. compass ( def 8a ).

Word History and Origins

Origin of mariner's compass¹

First recorded in 1620–30

Example Sentences

Our pilot used the mariners compass with loadstone, and the sea chart as ours do.

From Project Gutenberg

The method used at sea to teach boys the points of the mariners compass.

From Project Gutenberg

He drew forth his small mariners compass and eagerly studied the dancing needle.

From Project Gutenberg

The mariners compass is invented and in 1492 Columbus discovers America, and thirty years later Magellan sails around the world.

From Project Gutenberg