starboard etymology

Etymology:

  • Middle English: sterborde, from Old English: steorbord, steorbord
  • Proto-Germanic: *steorbordaz
  • Proto-Indo-European: *h₂stero-bʰerdo-

Meaning and Origin:

"Starboard" originally referred to the side of a ship where the steering oar or rudder was placed. It takes its name from the Old English words "steor" (meaning "steer") and "bord" (meaning "side").

Historically, ships were steered using a steering oar that was placed over the right-hand side of the stern (back of the ship). This positioning allowed sailors to use their right hands, which were typically stronger and more coordinated, to control the oar. The side of the ship where the oar was mounted became known as the "steorbord," which eventually evolved into "starboard."

Over time, the term "starboard" came to refer to the right side of a ship regardless of whether or not it was the steering side. This is why, even on modern ships with centrally-located rudders, the right side is still called the starboard side.

Usage:

Starboard is used in nautical contexts to refer to the right-hand side of a ship or other watercraft. It is often contrasted with "port," which refers to the left-hand side.

starboard relate terms

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  • starboard

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