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. [OE.
rother, AS. rōðer a paddle; akin to D.
roer rudder, oar, G. ruder, OHG. roadar, Sw. roder,
ror, Dan. roer, ror. √ 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. (Zoöl.) (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.
Rud"der (?), n. A riddle or sieve. [Prov. Eng.]
Hear it pronounced