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helm1 definition

helm (helm)

noun, transitive verb

Old Poet., Archaic helmet

Etymology: ME < OE, protection, helmet, akin to Ger helm, helmet, OE helmian, to protect < IE base *el-, to cover, hide > hull, L celare, to hide

helm2 definition

helm (helm)

noun

    1. the wheel or tiller by which a ship or boat is steered
    2. the complete steering gear, including the wheel or tiller, rudder, etc.
  2. the control or leadership of an organization, government, etc.

Etymology: ME helme < OE helma, akin to Ger helm, handle < IE *(s)kelmo- < base *(s)kel-, to cut > shield, Gr skallein, to dig

transitive verb

to guide; control; steer

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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