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. The stern 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. See *Quarter of a Ship*, *Ship*, and *Ship-building*.

**Stern-Fall**, a rope used to confine the stern of a ship or boat to any wharf or jetty-head, &c.

**Stern-Moat**, in sea language, usually denotes that part of a fleet of ships which is in the rear, or farther aft than the stern, as opposed to head-moat.

**Stern-Pole**, a long straight piece of timber erected on the extremity of the keel, to sustain the rudder and terminate the ship behind.

This piece, which is expressed by B in the pieces of the hull, Plate CCCCLIV. fig. 1, ought to be well secured and supported; because the ends of all the lower planks of the ship's bottom are fixed in a channel, cut on its surface; and the whole weight of the rudder is sustained by it.

**Stern-Sheets**, that part of a boat which is contained between the stern and the aftmost or hindmost seat of the rowers. It is generally furnished with benches to accommodate the passengers. See *Boat*.