STERN, a. G., staring stubborn. See Stare, Starck, Stark, with which this word is probably connected.
1. Severe austere fixed with an aspect of severity and authority as a stern look a stern countenance a stern frown.
I would outstare the sternest eyes that look.
2. Severe of manner rigid harsh cruel.
Stern as tutors, and as uncles hard.
Ambition should be made of sterner stuff.
3. Hard afflictive.
If wolves had at thy gate howld that stern time.
4. Rigidly stedfast immovable.
Stern virtue is the growth of few soils.
STERN, n.
1. The hind part of a ship or other vessel, or of a boat the part opposite to the stern or prow. This part of a ship is terminated by the tafferel above, and by the counters below.
2. Post of management direction.
An sit at chiefest stern of public weal. Not in use. We now say, to sit at the helm.
3. The hinder part of any thing. Not elegant.
By the stern, is a phrase which denotes that a ship is more deeply laden abaft than forward.