noun the black tern.
2. stern ·vt the hinder part of anything.
3. stern ·vt fig.: the post of management or direction.
4. stern ·adj being in the stern, or being astern; as, the stern davits.
5. stern ·vt the helm or tiller of a vessel or boat; also, the rudder.
6. stern ·vt the tail of an animal;
now used only of the tail of a dog.
7. stern ·vt the after or rear end of a ship or other vessel, or of a boat; the part opposite to the stem, or prow.
8. stern ·superl 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.