What is "stern fast"

Stern \Stern\, a. Being in the stern, or being astern; as, the stern davits. Stern board (Naut.), a going or falling astern; a loss of way in making a tack; as, to make a stern board. See Board, n., 8 (b) . Stern chase. (Naut.)

1. See under Chase, n.

2. A stern chaser.

   Stern chaser (Naut.), a cannon placed in a ship's stern, pointing backward, and intended to annoy a ship that is in pursuit.

   Stern fast (Naut.), a rope used to confine the stern of a ship or other vessel, as to a wharf or buoy.

   Stern frame (Naut.), the framework of timber forms the stern of a ship.

   Stern knee. See Sternson.

   Stern port (Naut.), a port, or opening, in the stern of a ship.

   Stern sheets (Naut.), that part of an open boat which is between the stern and the aftmost seat of the rowers, -- usually furnished with seats for passengers.

   Stern wheel, a paddle wheel attached to the stern of the steamboat which it propels.