Steerage (noun)

1. The space in a ship or aircraft for passengers traveling at the lowest fare and with the least comfort.
2. The part of a ship or aircraft where passengers travel at the lowest fare and with the least comfort.

Origin:

From the middle english word "stere" meaning the area of a ship where the steering mechanism is located.

Examples:

1. The immigrants traveled in steerage on their journey to the new world.
2. The conditions in steerage were cramped and uncomfortable.
3. The steerage section of the ship was the cheapest way to travel.
4. The steerage passengers were often treated poorly.
5. The steerage section of the ship was separate from the first class area.