stern sheets

American  

plural noun

Nautical.

1. the after part of an open boat, occupied by the person in command or by passengers.

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stern sheets British  

plural noun

1. nautical the part of an open boat near the stern

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Etymology

Origin of stern sheets

First recorded in 1475–85

Example Sentences

Seated in the stern sheets were small King Victor Emmanuel and large Queen Elena of Italy, swathed in pearls.

From Time Magazine Archive

Without waiting for an explanation, the three lads jumped into the boat, Mr. McKay taking his place in the stern sheets.

From The Nameless Island A Story of some Modern Robinson Crusoes by Westerman, Percy F. (Percy Francis)

There are two men in it; one rowing, the other seated in the stern sheets, steering.

From Gwen Wynn A Romance of the Wye by Reid, Mayne

The little middy, sitting in the stern sheets, had folded his arms; but he was swinging backward and forward to every lift and heave, with the same strange grin upon his face.

From Yankee Ships and Yankee Sailors: Tales of 1812 by Barnes, James

He accordingly sat down in the stern sheets and waited to see the end.

From Stanley's Adventures in the Wilds of Africa A Graphic Account of the Several Expeditions of Henry M. Stanley into the Heart of the Dark Continent by Headley, Joel Tyler