| Definitions | box the compass
verb (boxes the compass, boxing the compass, boxed the compass, boxed the compass)
- (nautical) to know, and be able to recite the 32 points and quarter points of the magnetic compass from North, both clockwise and anticlockwise
- 1859: While in the school-ships the boys would be instructed in the elements of an ordinary education, in addition to being taught to row, heave the lead, , go aloft, reef, steer, and work the guns. " The Times, 30 Sep 1859, p.10 col. B
- 1892: "Come," cried the Inspector, laughing, "it's a very pretty diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us." " Arthur Conan Doyle, "The Adventure of the Engineer's Thumb" (Norton 2005 p.286)
- (idiom) To make a complete reversal in stance or opinion.
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