binnacle

¹ American  

[bin-uh-kuhl] / ˈbɪn ə kəl /

noun

Nautical.

1. a stand or enclosure of wood or nonmagnetic metal for supporting and housing a compass.

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binnacle ² American  

[bin-uh-kuhl] / ˈbɪn ə kəl /

New York State Older Use.

1. a side branch of a river; millrace.

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binnacle British  

/ ˈbɪnəkəl /

noun

1. a housing for a ship's compass

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Etymology

Origin of binnacle¹

1615–25; bin + ( bitt ) acle ( late Middle English bitakille ) < Portuguese bitacola < Latin habitāculum lodge, equivalent to habitā- ( see inhabit) + -culum -cule ²

Origin of binnacle²

1855–60, probably folk-etymological spelling of New York Dutch *binnekil, equivalent to Dutch binne ( n ) inner, interior ( see ben ¹) + kil channel; see kill ²

Example Sentences

Every version comes loaded with double-layered glass, fully adjustable heated rear seats, real wood trim, a 12-inch high-definition touch navigation screen and a binnacle between the front seats that can recharge your smart phone wirelessly.

From Golf Digest • Aug. 18, 2017

On one side of the structure is a protruding gray steel window that Mr. Radic likens to a binnacle, the box that encases a ship’s compass.

From New York Times • Jul. 3, 2014

The wheel is positioned to port, with the binnacle controls close to the centerline and drink holders to starboard.

From Time Magazine Archive

These, with the two compasses taken from the binnacle, was all that we had an opportunity of getting into the boat, and get in ourselves, when the ship capsized, with the mastheads in the water.

From Time Magazine Archive

Nat stood near the compass, holding his watch so that he could read the face in the glow of the binnacle lamp.

From "Carry On, Mr. Bowditch" by Jean Lee Latham