b.from the sternward: in a direction from the stern: see -wardsuffix.
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society > travel > travel by water > vessel, ship, or boat > parts of vessels > body of vessel > rear part of vessel > in the rear (of) [phrase] > from the stern
from the sternward1866
1866 J. M. NealeSequences & Hymns 38 The shipmen..Cast four anchors from the sternward.