scarphed on to the kelson.

STEP. A large clamp of timber fixed on the kelson, and fitted to receive
the tenoned heel of a mast. The steps of the main and fore masts of
every ship rest upon the kelson; that of the mizen-mast sometimes rests
upon the lower-deck beams.--_To step a boat's mast._ To erect and secure
it in its step in readiness for setting sail.

STEP OF THE CAPSTAN. A solid block of wood fixed between two of the
ship's beams to receive the iron spindle and heel of the capstan.

STEP OUT, TO. To move along simultaneously and cheerfully with a
tackle-fall, &c.

STEPPES. The specific application is to the vast level plains of
South-east and Asiatic Russia, resembling the Landes of France. (_See_
LANDES.)

STEPPING. The sinking a rabbet in the dead-wood, wherein the heels of
the timbers rest. (_See_ BEARDING-LINE.)

STEPS OF THE SIDE. Pieces of quartering nailed to the sides amidships,
from the wale upwards; for the people ascending or descending the ship.

STERE'S-MAN. A pilot or steerer, from the Anglo-Saxon _steora_.

STERE-TRE. An archaic word for rudder.

STERN. The after-part of a ship, ending in the taffarel above and the
counters below.--_By the stern._ The condition of a vessel which draws
more water abaft than forward.

STERNAGE. The after-part of a ship, and therefore Shakspeare's term is
simple enough for any but commentators. Henry V.'s fleet is sailing
away:--

"O, do but think,
You stand upon the rivage, and behold
A city on the inconstant billows dancing;
For so appears this fleet majestical,
Holding due course to Harfleur. Follow, follow!
Grapple your minds to sternage of this navy."

STERN-ALL. A term amongst whalers, meaning to pull the boat stern
foremost, to back off after having entered an iron (_harpoon_).

STERN-BOARD. This term is familiarly known to seamen as tacking by
misadventure in stays; or purposely, as a seamanlike measure, to effect
the object. Thus a ship in a narrow channel is allowed to fly up head to
wind until her stem nearly touches a weather danger; the head-yards are
then quickly braced abox, and the helm shifted. Thus she makes stern-way
until all the sails are full, when she is again skilfully brought to the
wind before touching the danger under her lee. Generally speaking,
however, it refers to bad seamanship.

STERN-CHASERS. The guns which fire directly aft.

STERN-DAVITS. Pieces of iron or timber