ˈsternman
Also 7 sternsman.
[f. stern n.3 + man. Cf. steerman, steersman.]
† 1. A steersman, pilot; cf. stern n.3 1. Obs.
| 1582 Batman Barth. De P.R. xi. xii. 163 b, The sternman doubteth, and cannot know whetherward he shall stir the ship a right. 1608 Willet Hexapla Exod. 50 God as the sternesman that directeth and guideth all. 1625 K. Long tr. Barclay's Argenis iii. xxi. 217 The rash Sterneman split her dangerously against a hidden Rocke. 1627 W. Sclater Exp. 2 Thess. (1629) 147 Before hee hath described the Sternsman, a man of sinne. |
2. A man posted in the stern of a boat.
| 1894 Outing XXIV. 189/2 The sternman sits on the gun⁓wale of the extreme end of the craft. |