Stern all!

Tyrn · #1 March 18, 2021, 02:33 AM

Hi,

Where is the stress here? The first word or the last one?

pjt33 · #2 March 18, 2021, 04:36 AM

I don't recognise it as a meaningful phrase at all, so I'm not sure that the question can be answered.

poli · #3 March 18, 2021, 05:42 AM

I know that stern can mean the back of a boat. This sounds like a command (to the stern all).
If it is a command, then all would be the accented word in the phrase.

Tyrn · #4 March 20, 2021, 01:07 AM

Yes, poli, it's a command:

“‘Stern all!’ exclaimed the mate, as upon turning his head, he saw the distended jaws of a large Sperm Whale close to the head of the boat, threatening it with instant destruction;—‘Stern all, for your lives!’”

It's an order to row backwards.

pjt33 · #5 March 20, 2021, 03:36 AM

Ah! A form of "Full astern" which was used a couple of centuries ago. Since it's shouted, both words are probably stressed.

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Stern all!

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