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

It now remained to be seen whether she would gather sternway before her sharp stem crashed into the other destroyer amidships.

From With Beatty off Jutland A Romance of the Great Sea Fight by Percy F. (Percy Francis) Westerman

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 Joel Tyler Headley

Belay all that—down with the helm, now don't you see she has sternway yet?

From Tom Cringle's Log by Michael Scott

The moment the boat-hook tore out of the bottom, the schooner began to make sternway.

From All Adrift or The Goldwing Club by Oliver Optic