"A small bar magnet suspended in such a manner as to allow it to assume its chosen position relative to the earth is a magnetic needle. The needle may turn in a horizontal plane, it is a horizontal needle; e.g., the mariner's or the surveyor's compass. If it turns freely in a vertical plane, it constitutes a dipping-needle." — Avery, 1895

Dipping needle

"A small bar magnet suspended in such a manner as to allow it to assume its chosen position relative…