Stern, a. Being in the stern, or being astern; as, the stern davits.
  Stern board Naut., a going or falling astern; a loss of way in making a tack; as, to make a stern board. See Board, n., 8 (b).
  Stern chase. Naut. (a) See under Chase, n. (b) A stern chaser.
  Stern chaser Naut., a cannon placed in a ship's stern, pointing backward, and intended to annoy a ship that is in pursuit.
  Stern fast Naut., a rope used to confine the stern of a ship or other vessel, as to a wharf or buoy.
  Stern frame Naut., the framework of timber forms the stern of a ship.
  Stern knee. See Sternson.
  Stern port Naut., a port, or opening, in the stern of a ship.
  Stern sheets Naut., that part of an open boat which is between the stern and the aftmost seat of the rowers, -- usually furnished with seats for passengers.
  Stern wheel, a paddle wheel attached to the stern of the steamboat which it propels.
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  Stern·son n.  Naut. The end of a ship's keelson, to which the sternpost is bolted; -- called also stern knee.
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