STERN (2)

stern (2). Stern, n. the hinder part of a ship, tail, direction

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Stern, a. [Compar. Sterner (?); superl. Sternest.] [[OE. sterne, sturne, AS. styrne; cf. D. stuurish stern, Sw. stursk refractory. √166.]] 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. The sterne wind so loud gan to rout. Chaucer. I would outstare the sternest eyes that look. Shak. When that the poor have cried, Cæsar hath wept; Ambition should be made of sterner stuff. Shak. Stern as tutors, and as uncles hard. Dryden. These barren rocks, your stern inheritance. Wordsworth. Syn. — Gloomy; sullen; forbidding; strict; unkind; hard-hearted; unfeeling; cruel; pitiless.