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

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 Project Gutenberg

Whether you'll ever get there with the compass and the patent log is another matter, though, of course, if you go on long enough, you'll fetch some part of America.

From Project Gutenberg

Comparing the distance run by observation and by patent log, there was a difference of sixteen miles and a third.

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

To see him skipping along through green sea water in his dress-pumps, to look at the patent log, was a revelation of human improvidence.

From Project Gutenberg