The act or practice of steering, or directing; as, the steerage of a ship. He left the city, and, in a most tempestuous season, forsook the helm and steerage of the common wealth. Milton.
The effect of the helm on a ship; the manner in which an individual ship is affected by the helm.
The hinder part of a vessel; the stern. [R.] Swift.
Properly, the space in the after part of a vessel, under the cabin, but used generally to indicate any part of a vessel having the poorest accommodations and occupied by passengers paying the lowest rate of fare.
Direction; regulation; management; guidance. He that hath the steerage of my course. Shak.
That by which a course is directed. [R.] Here he hung on high, The steerage of his wings. Dryden. Steerage passenger, a passenger who takes passage in the steerage of a vessel.
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