southing

American  

[sou-thing] / ˈsaʊ ðɪŋ /

noun

1. Astronomy.

   1. the transit of a heavenly body across the celestial meridian.

   2. south declination.

2. movement or deviation toward the south.

3. distance due south made by a vessel.

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southing British  

/ ˈsaʊðɪŋ /

noun

1. nautical movement, deviation, or distance covered in a southerly direction

2. astronomy a south or negative declination

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Etymology

Origin of southing

First recorded in 1650–60; south + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

Consequently the southing bergs must have piled up on the Newfoundland and Labrador coasts, as though Jack Frost and King Neptune, bored with spring gambling, had laid aside their sea dice.

From Time Magazine Archive

But after a few weeks of content the southing spirit again seized upon the old male who had hitherto been the unquestioned leader.

From Kings in Exile by Roberts, Charles George Douglas, Sir

When they had made sufficient southing, Belbeis again headed for the Suez road, and after another two hours' ride this was reached without accident.

From Under the Rebel's Reign by Neufeld, Charles

But the Old Man hung on to his canvas as the southing wind allowed us to go 'full and by' to the nor'-west.

From The Brassbounder A Tale of the Sea by Bone, David W.

"Five minutes, and yon star comes to his southing," said the person he addressed.

From Traditions of Lancashire, Volume 2 by Roby, John