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Glite Dictionary
lubber's line

lubber's line

9.9
A fixed mark on a ship's compass that shows forward direction
  • noun
  • /ˈlʌbərz laɪn/
  • Specialized
translation icon : línea de rumbo
  • The captain checked that the lubber's line matched the ship's intended direction.

Examples

  • Make sure the lubber's line is properly positioned before you set the course.

  • He aligned the lubber's line with the bow to ensure an accurate heading.

  • The captain checked the lubber's line before setting sail.

  • Can you see the lubber's line on the compass?

  • To navigate accurately, ensure the lubber's line on the compass is properly aligned with the ship's bow.

  • The captain checked the lubber's line to confirm their heading before setting sail.

  • When steering the vessel, always refer to the lubber's line for the correct direction.

Synonyms

lubber line
vslubber's line
  • Specialized
9.9

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

is the same meaning but often written with a possessive form
lubber's mark
vslubber's line
  • Specialized
9.9

A fixed line on a compass that shows the ship's direction

is the same meaning but named using a possessive word form
lubber's point
vslubber's line
  • Specialized
9.9

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

is the same meaning but named with a word that suggests a spot

Surface Forms

lubber's line singular
lubber's lines plural

Morphology

lubber's + line

This is a specialized nautical term whose meaning ('a reference line on a compass indicating the vessel's forward direction') is not predictably derived from the parts. 'Line' is general, and 'lubber's' is an archaic/rare word whose relation to compass-heading is conventionally established in maritime jargon, so a B1 learner who knows the literal constituents would not reliably infer the technical sense.

Etymology

Lubber's line comes from old sailors: a 'lubber' was an inexperienced person, and the line was a fixed mark on the ship's compass that helped even a beginner see which way the ship was pointing. So the name describes the simple mark that shows which way the ship is going.