helms

Noun

helm (plural helms)

1. The tiller (or, in a large ship, the wheel) which is used to steer the rudder of a marine vessel; also, the entire steering apparatus of a vessel.
   • Ye this is both helme & stern of al together: & that which they contended right sore to impugn, but loue of the truth, wherwith in this poynte I reckened me wel fēsed, wold not suffer me to apply & yeld to their wil, thinking, quod sanctū erat veritatē preferre amicitiæ, that the truth ought to be...1563 March 30 (Gregorian calendar), John Lambert, “The History of Master Ihon Lābert otherwise Called Nycolson, wyth the Actes and Processe of King Henrye the VIII. and the Byshops agaynst Hym, by...
2. (broadly) The use of a helm (sense 1); also, the amount of space through which a helm is turned.
3. (broadly) The member of a vessel's crew in charge of steering the vessel; a helmsman or helmswoman.

   Synonyms:

   helmsperson

4. (broadly) Something used to control or steer; also (obsolete), a handle of a tool or weapon; a haft, a helve.
   • A great axe first she gave, that two ways cut, / In which a fair well-polish'd helm was put, / That from an olive bough receiv'd his frame.1614–1615, Homer, “The Fifth Book of Homer’s Odysseys”, in Geo[rge] Chapman, transl., Homer’s Odysses. […], London: […] Rich[ard] Field [and William Jaggard], for Nathaniell Butter, published 1615...
5. (figuratively) A position of control or leadership.
   • the helm of the Commonwealth
6. (figuratively) One in the position of controlling or directing; a controller, a director, a guide.
   • [Y]ou ſlander / The Helmes o'th State: vvho care for you like Fathers, / VVhen you curſe them, as Enemies.c. 1608–1609 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Tragedy of Coriolanus”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward]...

See all 22 meanings of helm