D defs.my
Entry 4 senses Webster, 1913

Steerage

/(stēr"ā̇j ; 48)/ · Steer·age · IPA
01 n. The act or practice of steering, or directing; as, the steerage of a ship.
  1. 1.
    The act or practice of steering, or directing; as, the steerage of a ship.
    “He left the city, and, in a most tempestuous season, forsook the helm and steerage of the commonwealth.” Milton.
  2. 2.
    The effect of the helm on a ship; the manner in which an individual ship is affected by the helm.(Naut.) [R.]
  3. 3.
    Direction; regulation; management; guidance.
    “He that hath the steerage of my course.” Shak.
  4. 4.
    That by which a course is directed.[R.]
    “Here he hung on high, The steerage of his wings.” Dryden.
Phrases & compounds
Steerage passenger — a passenger who takes passage in the steerage of a vessel.