Steer"age (?), n.
1.
The act or practice of steering, or directing; as, the steerage of a ship.
He left the city, and, in a most tempestuous season, forsook the helm and steerage of the common wealth.
Milton.
2. Naut. (a)
The effect of the helm on a ship; the manner in which an individual ship is affected by the helm.
(b)
The hinder part of a vessel; the stern.
[R.]
Swift. (c)
Properly, the space in the after part of a vessel, under the cabin, but used generally to indicate any part of a vessel having the poorest accommodations and occupied by passengers paying the lowest rate of fare.
3.
Direction; regulation; management; guidance.
He that hath the steerage of my course.
Shak.
4.
That by which a course is directed.
[R.]
Here he hung on high,
The steerage of his wings.
Dryden.
Steerage passenger, a passenger who takes passage in the steerage of a vessel.
© Webster 1913.