\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.