Word Study
binnacle
CIDE DICTIONARY
binnacle, n. [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.].
A case or box placed near the helmsman, containing the compass of a ship, and a light to show it at night. Totten. [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
binnacle, n. a built-in housing for a ship's compass.
Etymology
earlier bittacle, ult. f. L habitaculum habitation f. habitare inhabit
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