Steerage /(stēr"ā̇j ; 48)/

Steer·age

Steerage

n.
  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.
  2. The effect of the helm on a ship; the manner in which an individual ship is affected by the helm. (Naut.) [R.]
  3. Direction; regulation; management; guidance.
    He that hath the steerage of my course.
  4. That by which a course is directed. [R.]
    Here he hung on high, The steerage of his wings.

Phrases & Compounds
Steerage passenger
a passenger who takes passage in the steerage of a vessel.