Stern(superl.)
- Having a certain hardness or severity of nature, manner, or aspect; hard; severe; rigid; rigorous; austere; fixed; unchanging; unrelenting; hence, serious; resolute; harsh; as, a sternresolve; a stern necessity; a stern heart; a stern gaze; a stern decree.
Stern(v. t.)
- The helm or tiller of a vessel or boat; also, the rudder.
Stern(v. t.)
- The after or rear end of a ship or other vessel, or of a boat; the part opposite to the stem, or prow.
Stern(v. t.)
- Fig.: The post of management or direction.