helm /hɛlm/noun 13verb 4forms 5phrases 1 noun13 •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.Fair laughs the Morn, and soft the Zephyr blovvs, / VVhile proudly riding o'er the azure realm / In gallant trim the gilded Vessel goes; / Youth on the provv, and Pleasure at the helm; […] — 1755 •(figurative) A position of control or leadership. •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 •The member of a vessel's crew in charge of steering the vessel; a helmsman or helmswoman. •(figurative) 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. — 1608 •The use of a helm; also, the amount of space through which a helm is turned. •A heavy cloud lying on the brow of a mountain, especially one associated with a storm.Then ancient Skiddaw, stern and proud, / In sullen majesty replying, / Thus spake from out of his helm of cloud […] — 1800 •(dialect) The crown or top of something. •A stalk of corn, or (uncountable) stalks of corn collectively (that is, straw), especially when bundled together or laid out straight to be used for thatching roofs. •(Northern-England) A shelter for cattle or other farm animals; a hemmel, a shed. •(no longer used) The upper part or cap of an alembic or retort. •(literary, no longer used) A helmet.Their plumed helmes are wrought with beaten golde, / Their swords enameld, and about their neckes / Hangs massie chaines of golde downe to the waste, / In euery part exceding braue and rich. — 1587 •(no longer used) Synonym of bentgrass (“any of numerous reedy grass species of the genus Agrostis”) verb4 •To control the helm of (a marine vessel); to be in charge of steering (a vessel).[A] wild wave in the wild North-sea, / […] overbears the bark, / And him that helms it, […] — 1859 •(figurative) To direct or lead (a project, etc.); to manage (an organization).Ile striue to be nor great nor smale, / To liue nor die, fate helmeth all, / VVhen I can breath no longer, then, / Heauen take all, there put Amen. — 1601 •To lay out (stalks of corn, or straw) straight to be used for thatching roofs; to yelm. •(literary, no longer used) To cover (a head) with a helmet; to provide (someone) with a helmet; to helmet.Oh Noble Conon, / You taught my tender Hands the Trade of VVar; / And novv again you Helm your hoary Head, / And under double vveight of Age and Arms, / Assert your Countries Freedom, and my Crovvn. — 1684 formshelmed · helming · helmeth · helms · helmest Phrases with helm at the helmSteering a vessel.
