Lexical Definition

‎πηδάλιον‎ pēdálion (pay-dal'-ee-on) rudder ^G:N-N
neuter of a (presumed) derivative of (the blade of an oar

rudder.

• from the same as ‎πέδη‎)
• a "pedal", i.e. helm

Abbott-Smith

* πηδάλιον, -ου, τό (< πηδός, the blade of an oar),
a rudder: Ja 3:4; pl., Ac 27:40.†

Abbott-Smith References

Liddell-Scott-Jones

πηδάλιον-ον [ᾰ], τό,

(πηδόν) steering-paddle, rudder, [Refs 8th c.BC+]; π. δὲ ἓν ποιεῦνται (i.e. Αἰγύπτιοι) καὶ τοῦτο διὰ τῆς τρόπιος διαβύνεται [Refs 5th c.BC+]; Greek ships had a pair, hence in plural, of a single ship, [Refs 5th c.BC+]; πηδάλιονα ζεύγλαισι (cross-bars) παρακαθίετο [Refs 5th c.BC+]; ἀνέντες τὰς ζευκτηρίας τῶν π. [NT]; πηδάλιονα εἶχε τέτταρα τριακονταπήχη, of the τεσσαρακοντήρης of Ptolemy IV, [Refs 3rd c.BC+] to retire from a seafaring life, [Refs 5th c.BC+]

__2 metaphorically, ἱππικὰ π., of reins, [Refs 5th c.BC+]
__II in plural, of the oars by which the nautilus is said to steer himself, [Refs 4th c.BC+]; of the long hind legs of the locust and grasshopper, [Refs]
__III ={πολύγονον ἄρρεν}, Ps.-[Refs 1st c.AD+]

_{LSJ Scripture Refs: Acts.27.40}