sternway

American  

[sturn-wey] / ˈstɜrnˌweɪ /

noun

1. Nautical. the movement of a vessel backward, or stern foremost.

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sternway British  

/ ˈstɜːnˌweɪ /

noun

1. nautical movement of a vessel sternforemost

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Etymology

Origin of sternway

First recorded in 1760–70; stern ² + way ¹

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

sternway

Mr. Denny said, “Craziest thing I’ve ever seen, sir. Hardly enough wind to make sternway, and the waves are pounding us to pieces.”

From "Carry On, Mr. Bowditch" by Jean Lee Latham

Now the Baliol shell had made sternway sufficient for the man in the skiff to seize the rudder.

From O. Henry Memorial Award Prize Stories of 1920 by Various

The clean-lined brig had sternway equal to the best speed of the boats, and now head-sails were run up, and she paid off from the shore.

From "Where Angels Fear to Tread" and Other Stories of the Sea by Robertson, Morgan

The ship was now gathering sternway, drifting rapidly to lee'ard the while.

From The Wireless Officer by Westerman, Percy F. (Percy Francis)

"The brig may get a lot of sternway on her should this squall not strike her fairly."

From The Rescue A Romance of the Shallows by Conrad, Joseph