binnacle

 
Pronunciation: /ˈbɪnək(ə)l/

noun

  • a built-in housing for a ship’s compass.

Origin:

late 15th century (as bittacle): from Spanish bitácula, bitácora or Portuguese bitacola, from Latin habitaculum 'dwelling place', from habitare 'inhabit'. The change to binnacle occurred in the mid 18th century