I. ˈstirij, -rēj noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English sterage, from steren to steer + -age
1. : the act or practice of steering
the steerage of a ship
broadly : direction , management , guidance
2. : the effect of the helm on a ship : the manner in which an individual ship is affected by the helm
3. : a steering apparatus (as of a ship or agricultural implement)
4. archaic : a course steered
5.
a.
(1) archaic : a section of the underdeck of the afterpart of a ship situated near the rudder or immediately forward of the main cabin and used for passenger accommodations inferior to those of the cabin
(2) : a section in a passenger ship for passengers paying the lowest fares and given inferior accommodations — compare tourist class
b. : a compartment in a man-of-war located generally just forward of the wardroom and assigned to midshipmen and other junior officers for quarters
II. adverb
: with steerage accommodations
traveled steerage to Panama — Carl Van Doren