gouvernail

rudder, helm

noun goo-vehr-NAY Rare

Usage Note

Gouvernail is the rudder used to steer a ship or boat. Figuratively, tenir le gouvernail means to be at the helm — leading an organisation or country. The verb gouverner ('to govern') shares this root, reinforcing the metaphor of steering a state. The plural is gouvernails.

Examples

"Le marin tenait fermement le gouvernail."

Natural Translation

The sailor held the rudder firmly.

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