The Story Of Star Board
 

The starboard side of a Viking ship was the side From where it was steered.  The board that stuck into the water on that side was called the steering board, or steer board. This before we had finessed a true rudder, which was probably much nicer than having it in the center of the boat and always in everyone's way - I but I bet it had incredible starboard helm. Anyway, since the starboard side had this oar of sorts hanging off the side, it was no good for pulling up next to the pier. Hence the other side was nearly always against the pier, and this was where things such as people, supplies, and looted items from the villages they pillaged were loaded and unloaded. Overtime we adopted the Latin verb 'to carry' = PORTO, and eventually port. The word lar somehow conveys this meaning of  loading as well, but my strength in that language is week and I could find little information to add here about it.. Well since larboard and starboard could be so easily confused, the larboard side was renamed to port, thus still conveying the original meaning.

*Lar"board` n. [Lar- is of uncertain origin, possibly the same as lower, i. e., as in rank, because the starboard side is considered by mariners as higher in rank;

*The left-hand side of a ship to one on board facing toward the bow; port; -- opposed to starboard.

 *Larboard is a nearly obsolete term, having been superseded by port to avoid liability of confusion with     starboard, given to similarity of sound.

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