binnacle Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a nonmagnetic housing for a ship's compass (usually in front of the helm)

WordNet

Bin"na*cle noun
Etymology
For bittacle, corrupted (perh. by influence of bin) fr. Pg. bitacola binnacle, fr. L. habitaculum dwelling place, fr. habitare to dwell. See Habit, and cf. Bittacle.
Definitions
  1. (Naut.) A case or box placed near the helmsman, containing the compass of a ship, and a light to show it at night. Totten.

Webster 1913