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Rud"der (?), n. [OE. rother, AS. rðer 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*head` (?), n. (Naut.) The upper end of the rudderpost, to which
the tiller is attached.
Rud"der*hole (?), n. (Naut.) The hole in the deck through which the
rudderpost passes.
Rud"der*less, a. Without a rudder.
Rud"der*post (?), n. (Naut.) The shank of a rudder, having the blade at
one end and the attachments for operating it at the other.
Rud"der*stock` (?), n. (Naut.) The main part or blade of the rudder,
which is connected by hinges, or the like, with the sternpost of a
vessel.
Rud"died (?), a. Made ruddy or red.
Rud"di*ly (?), adv. In a ruddy manner. Byron.
Rud"di*ness, n. The quality or state of being ruddy; as, the ruddiness
of the cheeks or the sky.