Bin"na*cle (?), 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.] 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.