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

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.

Vandover went to the stern and for a time found amusement in watching the indicator of the patent log, and listening for its bell.

From Vandover and the Brute by Norris, Frank

By the distance we had run, as shown by the patent log and compared with the chart, there had been a current against us of more than a knot an hour.

From Narrative of the surveying voyages of His Majesty's ships Adventure and Beagle, between the years 1826 and 1836 Volume I. - Proceedings of the First Expedition, 1826-1830 by Fitzroy, Robert

"Well, come and see me set the patent log," said Captain Whitby.

From Harper's Round Table, June 4, 1895 by Various

A shark took a bite at the revolving vane of the patent log to-day.

From The Personal Life of David Livingstone by Blaikie, William Garden