Emily Dickinson Lexicon

HELM, n.² [Sax. helma; G. helm, a helm, and a helve; D. and Dan. helm; Sw. hielm; called in some dialects helmstock, which must be the tiller only; probably from the root of hold.]

1. The instrument by which a ship is steered, consisting of a rudder, a tiller, and in large vessels, a wheel. [See Rudder.] Mar. Dict.
2. Station of government; the place of direction or management; as, to be at the helm in the administration.