sternforemost

[ sturn-fawr-mohst, -fohr-or, especially British, -muhst ]

adverb

1. Nautical. with the stern foremost.
2. awkwardly; with difficulty.

sternforemost

/ ˈstɜːnˈfɔːməʊst /

adverb

1. nautical backwards

Word History and Origins

Origin of sternforemost¹

First recorded in 1830–40; stern ² + foremost

Example Sentences

The canvas rattled furiously, the craft swayed upright and commenced to blow away sternforemost like a feather, while I dropped into the bottom of her, ankle deep in water.

From Project Gutenberg

As the water shoaled, the Man stroked powerfully, landing the canoe sternforemost; then he stepped forth, drew it along the bank, and said: "Camarada, give me your hand!"

From Project Gutenberg