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

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

The boat, which all through answered the helm beautifully, fell off the moment Lucy ported the helm, and thus they escaped the impending and terrible danger of her making sternway.

From Love Me Little, Love Me Long by Reade, Charles

The Fürst ranged to the wash of our sternway as we cleared the piers; her hawsers strained and creaked, then held her to the bollards of the quay.

From Merchantmen-at-arms : the British merchants' service in the war by Bone, David W. (David William)

I at once sprang up on deck, and found that a light air from about east-south-east had sprung up, taking us aback and giving the brig sternway.

From The Castaways by Dugdale, Thomas Cantrell

Then taking sternway she backed on her enemy, and the rigging and an anchor becoming entangled, she could not get off.

From The Second War with England, Vol. 1 of 2 by Headley, Joel Tyler