Steer, v. t. [imp. & p. p.Steered (stērd); p. pr. & vb. n.Steering.] [OE. steeren, steren, AS. stiéran, stȳran, steóran; akin to OFries. stiora, stiura, D. sturen, OD. stieren, G. steuern, OHG. stiuren to direct, support, G. steuer contribution, tax, Icel. stȳra to steer, govern, Sw. styra, Dan. styre, Goth. stiurjan to establish, AS. steór a rudder, a helm, and probably to Icel. staurr a pale, stake, Gr. σταυρόσ, and perhaps ultimately to E. stand. √168. Cf. Starboard, Stern, n.] To direct the course of; to guide; to govern; — applied especially to a vessel in the water.
That with a staff his feeble steps did steer. Spenser.