1. (n.) The black tern.

2. (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 stern resolve; a stern necessity; a stern heart; a stern gaze; a stern decree.

3. (n.) The helm or tiller of a vessel or boat; also, the rudder.

4. (n.) The after or rear end of a ship or other vessel, or of a boat; the part opposite to the stem, or prow.

5. (v. t.) Fig.: The post of management or direction.

6. (n.) The hinder part of anything.

7. (n.) The tail of an animal; -- now used only of the tail of a dog.

8. (a.) Being in the stern, or being astern; as, the stern davits.