Obs. exc. Hist. [Anglicized form of the Dutch surname Waghenaer: see below.] Originally, the atlas of charts published by Lucas Janssen Waghenaer in 1584 under the title Spieghel der Zeevaerdt (Eng. trans. The Mariners Mirror, by Sir A. Ashley, 1588). Hence gen. a book of charts for nautical use.
1687. W. Hedges, Diary (Hakl. Soc.), I. 246. Ye Shippe Providence ran aground, her Commander designing to go between ye Islands Sardinia and Palma de Sol, where ye English Platts and Wagones [read Wagoners] make a large passage; but in truth there is none.
1703. Dampier, Voy., III. I. 98. In the East India Waggoner or Pilot-book there is mention made of large Fowls.
1775. Romans, Hist. Florida, App. 77. The compilers of the quarter waggoners … have corrupted it into Ponio bay.
1815. Falconer’s Dict. Marine (ed. Burney), Waggoner, is also used for a routier, or book of charts, describing the seas, their coasts, &c.
1916. Edin. Rev., July, 180. [Sailing directions] have been called by many names—Periploi, Portulane, Rutters, Waggoners [etc.].
