Definition

Noun: 1. A naval cannon mounted at the stern of a ship, designed to fire backward at a pursuing vessel: A "stern chaser" is a specific type of ship-mounted gun. Its primary tactical purpose is defensive, allowing a ship to engage an enemy that is chasing it from behind (astern).

Usage

The term is historical and primarily used in the context of naval warfare from the age of sail (approximately the 17th to 19th centuries). It describes the gun's location (stern) and its function (to chase or fire upon a pursuer). * The captain ordered the crew to man the stern chaser as the enemy frigate closed in from behind. * The design of the ship included two stern chasers to enhance its ability to defend itself during a retreat.

Advanced Usage

• The concept highlights naval tactics where a ship's armament was not only for forward attack but also for rear defense. A ship with powerful stern chasers could damage the rigging or hull of a pursuer, potentially slowing it down or forcing it to break off the chase.

Variants and Related Words

• Bow chaser (noun): A naval gun mounted at the bow (front) of a ship, designed to fire forward at a vessel being chased.
• Chase gun (noun): A general term for a bow chaser or stern chaser.

Synonyms

• Retreat gun: (A descriptive, non-technical synonym emphasizing its defensive use during retreat).
• Stern gun: (A simpler term specifying only the location, not the tactical function of firing at a pursuer).

Noun

1. a naval gun able to fire astern at a ship in chase