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Glite Dictionary
lubber's mark

lubber's mark

9.9
A fixed line on a compass that shows the ship's direction
  • noun
  • /ˈlʌbərz mɑrk/
  • Specialized
translation icon : marca de rumbo
  • The helmsman kept the lubber's mark aligned with the compass heading throughout the journey.

Examples

  • He checked the lubber's mark before making any adjustments to the ship's course.

  • A worn lubber's mark can make navigation more difficult for the crew.

  • The lubber's mark is vital.

  • Look at the lubber's mark!

  • The crew used the lubber's mark to ensure they were sailing in the right direction.

  • During the storm, it was crucial to rely on the lubber's mark for navigation.

  • He quickly located the lubber's mark on the compass to avoid drifting off course.

Synonyms

lubber's point
vslubber's mark
  • Specialized
9.9

A fixed mark on a ship's compass that shows where the ship is going

is the same concept but uses an alternative term for it
lubber's line
vslubber's mark
  • Specialized
9.9

A fixed mark on a ship's compass that shows forward direction

is the same idea but uses a different phrasing to name it
lubber line
vslubber's mark
  • Specialized
9.9

A fixed mark on a ship's compass that shows the direction the ship is pointing

carries the same meaning but is an alternate label for it

Surface Forms

lubber's mark singular
lubber's marks plural

Morphology

lubber's + mark

Although 'mark' is transparent, 'lubber's' is an archaic/specialist nautical term (related to 'landlubber') and the phrase refers to a technical compass line rather than a literal mark owned by an inexperienced person. The overall meaning is specialized jargon and not compositionally derivable from the constituents, so a typical B1 learner would not infer the intended nautical sense.

Etymology

The term lubber's mark comes from old sailors and names the fixed line on a ship's compass that shows the ship's direction. Because lubber once meant a clumsy or new sailor, the simple mark was an easy guide for anyone, so the phrase now means the fixed line that shows the ship's 'heading'.