Definitions for: Rudder


[n] (nautical) steering mechanism consisting of a hinged vertical plate mounted at the stern of a vessel
[n] a hinged vertical airfoil mounted at the tail of an aircraft and used to make horizontal course changes



Webster (1913) Definition: Rud"der, n.
In an aircraft, a surface the function of which is to exert a
turning moment about an axis of the craft.


Rud"der, n.
A riddle or sieve. [Prov. Eng.]


Rud"der, n. [OE. rother, AS. r[=o][eth]er a paddle;
akin to D. roer rudder, oar, G. ruder, OHG. roadar, Sw.
roder, ror, Dan. roer, ror. [root] 8. See Row to propel
with an oar, and cf. Rother. ]
1. (Naut.) The mechanical appliance by means of which a
vessel is guided or steered when in motion. It is a broad
and flat blade made of wood or iron, with a long shank,
and is fastened in an upright position, usually by one
edge, to the sternpost of the vessel in such a way that it
can be turned from side to side in the water by means of a
tiller, wheel, or other attachment.

2. Fig.: That which resembles a rudder as a guide or
governor; that which guides or governs the course.

For rhyme the rudder is of verses. --Hudibras.

Balance rudder (Naut.), a rudder pivoted near the middle
instead of at the edge, -- common on sharpies.

Drop rudder (Naut.), a rudder extending below the keel so
as to be more effective in steering.

Rudder chain (Naut.), one of the loose chains or ropes
which fasten the rudder to the quarters to prevent its
loss in case it gets unshipped, and for operating it in
case the tiller or the wheel is broken.

Rudder coat (Naut.), a covering of tarred canvas used to
prevent water from entering the rudderhole.

Rudder fish. (Zo["o]l.)
(a) The pilot fish.
(b) The amber fish (Seriola zonata), which is bluish
having six broad black bands.
(c) A plain greenish black American fish ({Leirus
perciformis}); -- called also black rudder fish,
logfish, and barrel fish. The name is also applied
to other fishes which follow vessels.

Rudder pendants (Naut.), ropes connected with the rudder
chains.


3. A dish or utensil (originally fashioned like the hull of a
ship) used to hold incense. [Obs.] --Tyndale.

Armed ship, a private ship taken into the service of the
government in time of war, and armed and equipped like a
ship of war. [Eng.] --Brande & C.

General ship. See under General.

Ship biscuit, hard biscuit prepared for use on shipboard;
-- called also ship bread. See Hardtack.

Ship boy, a boy who serves in a ship. ``Seal up the ship
boy's eyes.'' --Shak.

Ship breaker, one who breaks up vessels when unfit for
further use.

Ship broker, a mercantile agent employed in buying and
selling ships, procuring cargoes, etc., and generally in
transacting the business of a ship or ships when in port.


Ship canal, a canal suitable for the passage of seagoing
vessels.

Ship carpenter, a carpenter who works at shipbuilding; a
shipwright.

Ship chandler, one who deals in cordage, canvas, and other,
furniture of vessels.

Ship chandlery, the commodities in which a ship chandler
deals; also, the business of a ship chandler.

Ship fever (Med.), a form of typhus fever; -- called also
putrid, jail, or hospital fever.

Ship joiner, a joiner who works upon ships.

Ship letter, a letter conveyed by a ship not a mail packet.


Ship money (Eng. Hist.), an imposition formerly charged on
the ports, towns, cities, boroughs, and counties, of
England, for providing and furnishing certain ships for
the king's service. The attempt made by Charles I. to
revive and enforce this tax was resisted by John Hampden,
and was one of the causes which led to the death of
Charles. It was finally abolished.

Ship of the line. See under Line.

Ship pendulum, a pendulum hung amidships to show the extent
of the rolling and pitching of a vessel.

Ship railway.
(a) An inclined railway with a cradelike car, by means of
which a ship may be drawn out of water, as for
repairs.
(b) A railway arranged for the transportation of vessels
overland between two water courses or harbors.

Ship's company, the crew of a ship or other vessel.

Ship's days, the days allowed a vessel for loading or
unloading.

Ship's husband. See under Husband.

Ship's papers (Mar. Law), papers with which a vessel is
required by law to be provided, and the production of
which may be required on certain occasions. Among these
papers are the register, passport or sea letter, charter
party, bills of lading, invoice, log book, muster roll,
bill of health, etc. --Bouvier. --Kent.

To make ship, to embark in a ship or other vessel.

See Also: aerofoil, airfoil, control surface, rudder blade, rudderpost, rudderstock, steering mechanism, steering system, surface, tiller, vertical tail, vessel, watercraft

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