To direct the steering of a ship, especially to give orders to the helmsman about the ship's course.
From Middle English 'connen' meaning 'to know' or 'to be able', related to 'can'. In nautical contexts, it evolved to mean directing or controlling a vessel's movement, emphasizing the knowledge and skill required for navigation.
The person who 'has the conn' on a naval vessel holds temporary command authority over the ship's movement, even if they're not the captain. This precise transfer of navigational responsibility has prevented countless maritime disasters through clear chains of command.
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