compass course

noun

, Nautical.

1. a course whose bearing is relative to the meridian as given by the navigator's compass, no compensation being made for variation or deviation.

Word History and Origins

Origin of compass course¹

First recorded in 1850–55

Example Sentences

“The keel counteracts the weight of the wind on the sails, enabling the boat to remain more upright. It also reduces leeway, the distance the boat veers from its compass course.”

From Washington Times

"Bucking a bit, isn't she, Thompson?" he remarked to the helmsman, who, relieved of the responsibility of maintaining a constant altitude by the fact that the airship was automatically controlled in that direction, was merely keeping the vessel on her compass course.

From Project Gutenberg

She was steering a compass course with the wind almost dead aft.

From Project Gutenberg

The Albatross was flying magnificently, her pilot holding on to a compass course, after making due allowances for the "drift" of the air current.

From Project Gutenberg

After a march of two days along the river bank, they struck across the barren grounds, taking a direct compass course for Point Lake.

From Project Gutenberg