sightvane
nounUK /ˈsaɪtveɪn/
US /ˈsaɪtveɪn/
A small pointer on a tool that helps you aim it at something.
The sailor lined up the sightvane with the distant lighthouse to check the ship's course.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A movable flap or blade on a surveying instrument used to define a line of sight.
The surveyor adjusted the sightvane on the plane table before taking the measurement.
3. A small fin or marker on a firearm or artillery piece that assists in aiming.
He raised the sightvane on the cannon to set the elevation.
4. Any vane or fin used to indicate direction or alignment relative to the eye.
The old quadrant had a brass sightvane that folded flat when not in use.