poupe

stern (of a ship)

noun POOP Rare

Origin: Latin 'puppis', rear of a ship

Usage Note

Poupe is the nautical term for the rear of a vessel, opposite to la proue (the bow). The phrase avoir le vent en poupe means to have the wind at one's back — idiomatically 'to be on a roll' or riding a wave of success.

Examples

"Les marins se rassemblaient à la poupe du navire."

Natural Translation

The sailors gathered at the stern of the ship.

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