Wiktionary
box the compass
vb. (context nautical English) To know, and be able to recite the 32 points and quarter points of the magnetic compass from North, both clockwise and anticlockwise.
Usage examples of "box the compass".
An empty waterhoy and a hamfisted no-seaman at the wheel letting her box the compass.
An empty waterhoy and a ham-fisted no-seaman at the wheel letting her box the compass.