west by south

Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

1.The point in the heavens where the sun is seen to set at the equinox; or, the corresponding point on the earth; that one of the four cardinal points of the compass which is in a direction at right angles to that of north and south, and on the left hand of a person facing north; the point directly opposite to east. [1913 Webster]

And fresh from the west is the free wind's breath.— Bryant.[1913 Webster]

2.A country, or region of country, which, with regard to some other country or region, is situated in the direction toward the west. [1913 Webster]

3.Specifically: (a) The Westen hemisphere, or the New World so called, it having been discovered by sailing westward from Europe; the Occident. (b) (U. S. Hist. & Geog.) Formerly, that part of the United States west of the Alleghany mountains; now, commonly, the whole region west of the Mississippi river; esp., that part which is north of the Indian Territory, New Mexico, etc. Usually with the definite article. [1913 Webster]

West by north, West by south, according to the notation of the mariner's compass, that point which lies 111/4[deg] to the north or south, respectively, of the point due west.

West northwest, West southwest, that point which lies 221/2[deg] to the north or south of west, or halfway between west and northwest or southwest, respectively. See Illust. of Compass. [1913 Webster]