steerage etymology

Etymology:

  • Old English "steres" meaning "to guide"
  • Middle English "steren"
  • Middle French "estorage" meaning "a place where things are stowed"
  • Late Middle English "stirrage"
  • Early Modern English "steeridge"
  • Modern English "steerage"

Meaning:

  • The lowest class of passenger accommodation on a ship, typically in the bow or stern, with limited amenities and sleeping arrangements.

Origin:

The term "steerage" originally referred to the act of steering a ship. Over time, it came to be associated with the areas of the ship where the crew resided. As ships became larger and more complex, the need for separate crew quarters arose. The term "steerage" was then applied to these designated areas, which were typically located in the bow or stern.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, steerage became synonymous with the lowest class of passenger accommodation on ships. These areas were often cramped, unsanitary, and overcrowded, with passengers sleeping on bare wooden planks or in hammocks. Steerage passengers were usually poor immigrants seeking a new life in the New World.

Today, the term "steerage" is rarely used in the context of passenger travel. Instead, "economy class" or "basic economy" are more common designations for the lowest class of seats on an airplane.

steerage relate terms

  • steer

    Etymology The word steer comes from the Old English word steor which is related to t

  • steering

    Etymology The word steering comes from the Old English word steoran which means to

  • steering

    Etymology The word steering comes from the Old English word steoran which means to

  • navigation

    Etymology The word navigation comes from the Latin word navigare which means to sai

  • accommodation

    Etymology The word accommodation comes from the Latin word accommodare which means

  • control

    Etymology Latin controllus meaning check restraint French contrôle English

  • sailing

    Etymology The word sailing derives from the Old Norse word segla meaning to set sa

  • miasma

    Etymology Ancient Greek μίασμα miasma meaning pollution defilement or

  • absolute

    Etymology Absolute comes from the Latin word absolutus which means freed from loose

  • justice

    Etymology and Origin of Justice Etymology The word justice derives from the Latin te

  • blackmail

    Etymology The word blackmail is derived from the Middle English phrase blake male