STEP OUT, To. To move along simultaneously and cheerfully with a tackle-fall, &c.
STEPPES. The specific application is to the vast level plains of South-east and Asiatic Russia, resembling the Landes of France. (See [Landes].)
STEPPING. The sinking a rabbet in the dead-wood, wherein the heels of the timbers rest. (See [Bearding-line].)
STEPS OF THE SIDE. Pieces of quartering nailed to the sides amidships, from the wale upwards; for the people ascending or descending the ship.
STERE'S-MAN. A pilot or steerer, from the Anglo-Saxon stéora.
STERE-TRE. An archaic word for rudder.
STERN. The after-part of a ship, ending in the taffarel above and the counters below.—By the stern. The condition of a vessel which draws more water abaft than forward.
STERNAGE. The after-part of a ship, and therefore Shakspeare's term is simple enough for any but commentators. Henry V.'s fleet is sailing away:—
"O, do but think,
You stand upon the rivage, and behold
A city on the inconstant billows dancing;
For so appears this fleet majestical,
Holding due course to Harfleur. Follow, follow!
Grapple your minds to sternage of this navy."
STERN-ALL. A term amongst whalers, meaning to pull the boat stern foremost, to back off after having entered an iron (harpoon).