rudder Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a hinged vertical airfoil mounted at the tail of an aircraft and used to make horizontal course changes
  2. noun (nautical) steering mechanism consisting of a hinged vertical plate mounted at the stern of a vessel

WordNet

Rud"der noun
Definitions
  1. A riddle or sieve. Prov. Eng.
Rud"der noun
Etymology
OE. rother, AS. r&omac;&edh;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.
Definitions
  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.

Webster 1913