sternway

American  

[sturn-wey] / ˈstɜrnˌweɪ /

noun

1. Nautical. the movement of a vessel backward, or stern foremost.

---

sternway British  

/ ˈstɜːnˌweɪ /

noun

1. nautical movement of a vessel sternforemost

---

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 Literature

With a sickening jerk, as if the little craft were parting amidships, the patrol-boat stopped and gathered sternway.

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

Then, pushing off, they resumed their oars, pulling desperately for the ship, which was now gathering sternway at a distance of a cable's length.

From Project Gutenberg