2 definitions found From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]: binnacle noun: a nonmagnetic housing for a ship's compass (usually in front of the helm) From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.44 [gcide]: Binnacle \Bin"na*cle\, noun [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}.] (Naut.) A case or box placed near the helmsman, containing the compass of a ship, and a light to show it at night. --Totten.

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