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

"Twelve knots," reports Old Hickory, inspectin' the patent log.

From Wilt Thou Torchy by Ford, Sewell

The mechanism of the patent log hummed and clicked more obtrusively.

From Alias the Lone Wolf by Vance, Louis Joseph

He was sailing by compass; the patent log, trailing behind on its long cord, maintained a constant, jerking register on its dial.

From Wild Oranges by Hergesheimer, Joseph

I called this lad to witness the agreement I had made with Budja, and told him, if Kasoro satisfied me, I would return by him, in addition to the heavy gun, a Massey's patent log.

From The Discovery of the Source of the Nile by Speke, John Hanning

The new steamer shot along wonderfully, and the patent log showed a speed of seventeen miles an hour, a speed which as yet no English, French, or American boat had ever obtained.

From The Blockade Runners by D'Anvers, N.