Rūd'der, n.

n. [O. Eng. rother, A-S. rôdher, O. H. Ger. ruodar, N. H. Ger. ruder, L. Ger. roder, roer, D. roeder, roer, Sw. roder, Dan. roer, ror. Cf. Row.]

1. (Naut.) The instrument by which a ship is steered; that part of the helm which, consisting of a piece or pieces of timber, broad in shape at the bottom, enters the water, and is attached to the stern-post by hinges, on which it turns, being managed by means of the tiller or wheel. Totten.
2. 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. 3. A sieve. See RIDDLE. [Prov. Eng.]