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

In order to enable the vessel to turn speedily, she is fitted with the sternway rudder of Messrs. Thomson & Biles.

From Scientific American Supplement, No. 620, November 19,1887 by Various

He stopped his ship, and then backed water, making sternway to the Hartford, so as to stop her also.

From Hero Tales from American History by Roosevelt, Theodore

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)

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

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