Emily Dickinson Lexicon

STERN, n. [Sax. steor and ern, place; the steer-place, that is, helm-place.]

1. The hind part of a ship or other vessel, or of a boat; the part opposite to the stem or prow. This part of a ship is terminated by the tafferel above, and by the counters below. – Mar. Dict.
2. Post of management; direction. And sit at chiefest stern of public weal. – Shak. [Not in use. We now say, to sit at the helm.]
3. The hinder part of any thing. [Not elegant.] Spenser. By the stern, is a phrase which denotes that a ship is more deeply laden abaft than forward.