a. Obs. [f. STERN sb.3 + -LESS. Cf. STEERLESS.] That has no rudder. Also fig.
c. 1412. Hoccleve, Compl. Virg., xxxii. (Egerton MS.). And right as that a schippe, or barge or boot Among the wawes dryveth sterneles [v.r. steerelees].
1576. Gosson, Sch. Abuse, etc. (Arb.), 76. The prime of youth … settes up sayle, and sternlesse ship ysteares.
1628. Feltham, Resolves, I. lxxxiv. 239. Drunkennesse, arising from the Grape, is the floating of the sternelesse Sences in a Sea.
