STERN, the posterior face of a ship; or that part which is represented to the view of a spectator, placed on the continuation of the keel behind, as exhibited in Plate CCLXXVII. fig. 1, 2, 3, 4.
The stern, fig. 1. is terminated above by the taffarel, and below by the counters: It is limited on the sides by the quarter-pieces; and the intermediate space comprehends the galleries and windows of the different cabins.
This figure exhibits the stern of a 74-gun ship.
A, the keel, with a the false keel beneath it.
AB, the stern-post.
C, the rail which determines the height of the counters.
DD, the upper and lower quarter-galleries, with their balustrades and windows.
E, the quarter-pieces: and PFP, the taffarel.