stern-fast
Definition
- Noun (Nautical):
- A rope, cable, or chain used to secure the stern (rear) of a vessel to a dock, quay, or another ship. It is a type of mooring line specifically attached at the back of the boat.
Usage Examples
- (He fastened the rear mooring rope to the dock post.)
- (Make sure the rope securing the back of the boat is put away neatly.)
Advanced Usage
- "to cast off the stern-fast": to release or untie the rope securing the stern, usually when departing.
- The captain ordered the crew to cast off the stern-fast as the ship prepared to sail. (The rear mooring line was released to allow departure.)
Variants and Related Words
- Stern (n): the rear part of a ship or boat.
- The lifeboat was stored near the stern. (At the back of the vessel.)
- Fast (adj or n): in nautical terms, "fast" can mean securely fixed or attached.
- Make the line fast to the cleat. (Tie it securely.)
Synonyms
- Stern line: another common term for the same rope.
- After mooring line: a technical synonym used in maritime contexts.
Related Idioms
- "Fast and loose": (not directly related to "stern-fast") meaning to behave unreliably or inconsistently.
- He played fast and loose with the safety rules. (He was careless and inconsistent.)
- Note: This idiom is unrelated to the nautical term, but illustrates how "fast" can mean "secure" in one context and "quick" in another.