An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

A device for determining directions, as by means of a freely rotating → magnetic needle that indicates → magnetic north.

Etymology (EN): M.E. compas, from O.Fr. compas “circle, pair of compasses,” from compasser “to go around, measure,” from V.L. *compassare “to pace out,” from L. → com- “together” + passus “a step.”

Etymology (PE): Qotbnemâ, literally “pole indicator,” from qotb, → pole,

• nemâ “indicator, showing,” from nemudan “to show,” → display.