STERN Stern, a. [Compar. Sterner; superl. Sternest.] Etym: [OE. sterne, sturne, AS. styrne; cf. D. stuurish stern, Sw. stursk refractory. *166.]
Defn: 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. The sterne wind so loud gan to rout. Chaucer. I would outstare the sternest eyes that look. Shak. When that the poor have cried, Cæsar hath wept; Ambition should be made of sterner stuff. Shak. Stern as tutors, and as uncles hard. Dryden. These barren rocks, your stern inheritance. Wordsworth.
Syn. — Gloomy; sullen; forbidding; strict; unkind; hard-hearted; unfeeling; cruel; pitiless.
STERN Stern, n. Etym: [Icel. stjorn a steering, or a doubtful AS. steórn. *166. See Steer, v. t.]
1. The helm or tiller of a vessel or boat; also, the rudder. [Obs.] Chaucer.
2. (Naut.)
Defn: The after or rear end of a ship or other vessel, or of a boat; the part opposite to the stem, or prow.
3. Fig.: The post of management or direction. And sit chiefest stern of public weal. Shak.
4. The hinder part of anything. Spenser.
5. The tail of an animal; — now used only of the tail of a dog. By the stern. (Naut.) See By the head, under By.