pelorus
[puh-lawr-uh s, -lohr-]
- a device for measuring in degrees the relative bearings of observed objects.
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Origin of pelorus
1850–55; perhaps < Latin Pelōrus, now Faro in Sicily, a cape which requires skill in navigation
Also called dumb compass.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for pelorus
Historical Examples
In taking a bearing by pelorus, two facts must be kept in mind.
Lectures in NavigationErnest Gallaudet Draper
These bearings will be secured in the best way by the use of your pelorus.
Lectures in NavigationErnest Gallaudet Draper
He became famous and popular, and was known as "Pelorus Jack."
More Science From an Easy ChairSir E. Ray (Edwin Ray) Lankester
"The Pelorus will send a boat as soon as we've anchored," he told them.
Creatures of the AbyssMurray Leinster
And maybe you should tell them about the Pelorus and the bathyscaphe.
Creatures of the AbyssMurray Leinster
pelorus
- a sighting device used in conjunction with a magnetic compass or a gyrocompass for measuring the relative bearings of observed points
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Word Origin
of uncertain origin, perhaps from Latin Pelōrus a dangerous Sicilian promontory
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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