dogvane
/ˈdɒɡveɪn/Nautical
noun
A small, light vane of thread, cork, and feathers, placed on a gunwale or shroud to indicate the direction of the wind. Also in figurative contexts. Now historical.
Origin
Mid 18th century; earliest use found in William Falconer. From dog + vane, probably so called because smaller and hence inferior to the vane at the masthead.