sternmost

American  

[sturn-mohst, -muhst] / ˈstɜrn moʊst, -məst /

adjective

Nautical.

1. farthest aft.

2. nearest the stern.

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sternmost British  

/ ˈstɜːnˌməʊst /

adjective

1. farthest to the stern; aftmost

2. nearest the stern

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Etymology

Origin of sternmost

First recorded in 1615–25; stern ² + -most

Example Sentences

"The commodore has made the night-signal for the sternmost ships to make more sail and close, sir."

From Great Sea Stories by French, Joseph Lewis

The sternmost was luffing up with the intention of reaching the Constitution's quarter.

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

In certain fleet evolutions, the sternmost ship remains stationary, as a pivot upon which the other vessels are to form the line anew.

From The Sailor's Word-Book An Alphabetical Digest of Nautical Terms, including Some More Especially Military and Scientific, but Useful to Seamen; as well as Archaisms of Early Voyagers, etc. by Belcher, Edward, Sir

His Majesty's ship Superb being stationed ahead of the Cæsar, I directed Captain Keats to make sail and attack the sternmost ships of the enemy's rear, using his endeavours to keep in-shore of them.

From Memoirs and Correspondence of Admiral Lord de Saumarez, Vol. I by Ross, John, Sir

Dave released the sternmost life-line to take a quick, oblique step toward the port lines.

From Dave Darrin After The Mine Layers by Hancock, H. Irving (Harrie Irving)