patent log

American  

[pat-nt lawg, log] / ˈpæt nt ˌlɔg, ˌlɒg /

noun

Nautical.

1. any of various devices for determining the speed of a ship by means of a vaned rotor streamed at the end of a logline upon which it exerts a torsion transmitted to a registering device on board.

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patent log British  

noun

1. nautical any of several mechanical devices for measuring the speed of a vessel and the distance travelled, consisting typically of a trailing rotor that registers its rotations on a meter Compare chip log

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Etymology

Origin of patent log

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

patent log

These two handwritings were quite distinct from each other and contained the usual notes of prevailing winds, state of weather, speed, distance indicated by patent log, dead reckonings, vessels sighted and such like.

From The Cruise of the Dry Dock by Stribling, T. S.

The man answered, and Jenkins departed with the boat's patent log.

From The Wreck of the Titan or, Futility by Robertson, Morgan

They are provided with a patent log, but their captains, who are intelligent men, do not care much about a chronometer, as the distances to be run are comparatively short and are easily judged.

From A Voyage in the 'Sunbeam' Our Home on the Ocean for Eleven Months by Brassey, Annie

With McCrea's help he adjusted a patent log that he had brought along with him, casting the line over the rail into the water.

From The Submarine Boys' Trial Trip "Making Good" as Young Experts by Durham, Victor G.

An electric wire puts it in contact with the patent log; this needle shows me the actual speed of my submersible.

From Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea by Walter, F. P.