Also 7 sternsman. [f. STERN sb.3 + MAN. Cf. STEERMAN, STEERSMAN.]
† 1. A steersman, pilot; cf. STERN sb.3 1. Obs.
1582. Batman, Barth. De P. R., XI. xii. 163 b. The sternman doubteth, and cannot know whetherward he shall stir the ship a right.
1608. Willet, Hexapla Exod., 50. God as the sternesman that directeth and guideth all.
1625. K. Long, trans. Barclays Argenis, III. xxi. 217. The rash Sterneman split her dangerously against a hidden Rocke.
1627. W. Sclater, Exp. 2 Thess. (1629), 147. Before hee hath described the Sternsman, a man of sinne.
2. A man posted in the stern of a boat.
1894. Outing, XXIV. 189/2. The sternman sits on the gunwale of the extreme end of the craft.