stayn.1
/steɪ/, U.S. /steɪ/ 1.
a. Nautical. A large rope used to support a mast, and leading from its head down to some other mast or spar, or to some part of the ship.The stays which lead forward are called fore and aft stays; and those which lead down to the vessel's sides backstays (see backstay n.). The stays have also special names according to the mast to which they are attached: see fore-stay n., mainstay n., mizzen-staysail at mizzen n. Compounds.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > travel by water > vessel, ship, or boat > equipment of vessel > masts, rigging, or sails > rigging > [noun] > fixed rigging > stay
staya1100
stay-rope?1518
a1100 in T. Wright & R. P. Wülcker Anglo-Saxon & Old Eng. Vocab. (1884) I. 288/26 [De Nave et Partibus eius.] Safo, stæg. [Cf. ‘safon, stæþ’, Suppl. Ælfric's Gloss in Wr.-Wülcker 182/27; ‘scaphon, funis in prora positus’ (Isidore).]
1296 Accts. Exchequer King's Remembrancer 5/20 m. 4 b Capiuntur..ad vsum Galee..octo Copule Cord[orum] Capital[ium] .j. Stay, ij. Schetes, ij. Huppeteyes, j. Boye.
1307–8 Accts. Exchequer King's Remembrancer 14/14 In .ij. hupteghes. vj. couplis de hauedropes et .ij. Steyes..pro masta dicte Bargie..xxviij.s.
1336 Accts. Exchequer King's Remembrancer 19/31 m. 4 In xxx petris cordis de canabo..pro tribus steyes inde faciendis.
1417 Foreign Accts. 8 Henry V (Public Rec. Office) D/2 In v peciis de ropes pro styes j. Couple Bakstyes ij hailers ij vpties.
1420 in For. Acc. 3 Hen. VI g/2 De j. cathena ferri vocata lichechine ad seruiendum pro le Steye dicte Carrac'.
1485 in M. Oppenheim Naval Accts. & Inventories Henry VII (1896) 40 Sherhokes for the stay..ij.
1485 in M. Oppenheim Naval Accts. & Inventories Henry VII (1896) 48 For shrowdes.. vj, ffor staies..j.
1496 in M. Oppenheim Naval Accts. & Inventories Henry VII (1896) 177 The Steyes for the Mayne maste.
1620 J. Taylor Praise of Hemp-seed 10 Your martlines, ropeyarnes, gaskets, and your stayes.
1626 J. Smith Accidence Young Sea-men 30 A stay, a halyard, sheats.
1627 J. Smith Sea Gram. v. 19 The vse of those staies are to keepe the Masts from falling aftwards, or too much forwards.
1719 D. Defoe Life Robinson Crusoe 271 I was near two Months..rigging and fitting my Mast and Sails; for I finish'd them very compleat, making a small Stay, and a Sail, or Foresail to it.
1748 B. Robins & R. Walter Voy. round World by Anson iii. v. 341 The mast itself is supported..by the shroud..and by two stays.
1750 T. R. Blanckley Naval Expositor at Cordage Stays are Cablelaid, but made with four Strands as Cables are with three, with an Addition of an Heart which goes through the Center of them.
1849 H. W. Longfellow Building of Ship in Seaside & Fireside 20 Each tall and tapering mast Is swung into its place; Shrouds and stays Holding it firm and fast!
1864 C. Boutell Heraldry Hist. & Pop. (ed. 3) xvii. 261 A Rudder sa., the tiller and stays or.
1871 W. C. Bryant tr. Homer Odyssey I. v. 132 And, rigging her with cords and ropes and stays, Heaved her with levers into the great deep.
b. transferred. (a) A guy or rope supporting a flag-staff, or a pole of any kind. (b) A supporting wire or cable on an aircraft.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > support > [noun] > that which supports > supporting rope
guide-ropec1400
stayc1515
guy1620
guide-tackle1665
side rope1726
guy-rope1793
guy-rod1903
society > travel > air or space travel > a means of conveyance through the air > aeroplane > parts of aircraft > [noun] > wires for structural support > specific wires
stay-wire1876
stay1894
lift wire1915
incidence wire1916
landing wire1917
c1515 Ld. Berners tr. Bk. Duke Huon of Burdeux (1882–7) cxiii. 393 They..strake and cut asonder the cordys and stayes so that many tentis fell to the erth.
1642 H. Bond Boate Swaines Art 2 1 Maine Flag-staffe stay.
1642 H. Bond Boate Swaines Art 7 1 Lanniard of the fore Topmast stay.
1642 H. Bond Boate Swaines Art 8 1 Maine Topgallant mast Stay.
1875 E. H. Knight Amer. Mech. Dict. III. 2317/1 Stay,..a guy supporting the mast of a derrick, etc.
1876 W. H. Preece & J. Sivewright Telegraphy 202 For this purpose stays and struts are employed. By a stay is meant whatever takes the pull or tension of the forces acting upon the pole.
1884 Act 47 & 48 Vict. c. 76 §20 A post, pole, standard, stay, strut, or other above ground contrivance for carrying, suspending or supporting a telegraph.
1892 Pall Mall Gaz. 8 Aug. 5/2 At an early hour the wire stays which supported one of the semaphores were cut preparatory to removing the post.
1894 O. Chanute Progress in Flying Machines 237 This main aeroplane..is trussed and stiffened in every direction by wire stays.
1908 H. G. Wells War in Air x. 317 It had taken only an hour or so to substitute wing stays from the second flying machine and to replace the nuts he had himself removed.
1919 S. Camm Aeroplane Constr. xiii. 108 The various wires used in construction may be classified into four distinct types: the solid wire stay, the straining cord or cable used for stay wires, the extra flexible cable used for controls, and the swaged tie rods in plane or streamline form.
2. Nautical phrases.
a. †at stays (obsolete), on, upon (the) stays = abackstays adv. in stays: said of a ship when her head is being turned to windward for the purpose of tacking.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > travel by water > directing or managing a ship > use of sails, spars, or rigging > with sails set [phrase] > aback
at staysa1586
(to bring, lay, lie) upon the lee1597
society > travel > travel by water > directing or managing a ship > use of wind > use of wind in sailing [phrase] > by succession of tacks > in stays
in stays1823
a1586 Sir P. Sidney Arcadia (1590) i. i. sig. B5 And now they were alreadie come vpon the staies; when [etc.].
c1595 Capt. Wyatt in G. F. Warner Voy. R. Dudley to W. Indies (1899) 9 Our Generall, to the intent they might with more ease fett us up, caused great draggs to be hanged over borde, oftentimes comminge on the staies, of purpose for them.
1599 J. Lok in R. Hakluyt Princ. Navigations (new ed.) II. i. 106 And all this while the shippe lay on staies.
1606 High Court of Admiralty Exam. 38, 1 Apr. Fell on his stayes and cast about.
1626 J. Smith Accidence Young Sea-men 29 Ware yawning, the ships at stayes, at backe-stayes.
a1642 W. Monson Naval Tracts (1704) ii. 253/2 There are so few Sailors to tackle their Ships, that they will be taken upon the Stays.
1706 Phillips's New World of Words (new ed.) at Stay To bring a Ship upon the Stays or To stay her, is to manage her Tackle and sails so that she cannot make any way forward.
1797 S. James Narr. Voy. 31 The ship being put in stays before the sail was half furled, the wind blew the body of the sail with great force flat against the Crosstrees.
1823 W. Scoresby Jrnl. Voy. Northern Whale-fishery 91 With the aid of a few observations taken ‘in stays’ the remaining twelve points were likewise determined.
1830 F. Marryat King's Own I. xvi. 250 As he was in stays, a raking shot entered the cabin windows.
1846 A. Young Naut. Dict. 296 A vessel in the act of tacking is said to be in stays, or to be hove in stays: if she work slowly in tacking, she is said to be slack in stays.
1861 Times 16 Aug. Christabel was sailed the freeest,..and was remarkably quick in stays.
b. to miss, lose stays: of a ship, to fail in the attempt to go about.
ΚΠ
1759 Ann. Reg. 1758 83 The Invincible..of 74 guns,..missed her stays, and run upon a flat.
1771 Ann. Reg. 1770 166 The pilot-boat..losing her stays, was driven upon Hoyle's Bank.
1847 C. J. Lever Knight of Gwynne lxxiv In a last endeavour to clear the head-lands of Clare, she missed stays.
1873 G. C. Davies Mountain, Meadow & Mere xvi. 142 Hesitating a little in his management of the helm, the yacht missed stays.
c. (at) a long, short stay, ( stay apeak, stay-peak): see quots.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > travel by water > berthing, mooring, or anchoring > [phrase] > at anchor > with anchor far from or near to ship
(at) a long, short stay1846
society > travel > travel by water > berthing, mooring, or anchoring > [phrase] > at anchor > directly over anchor
short stay apeek1836
stay-peak1846
1846 A. Young Naut. Dict. 16 The anchor is a-stay when, in heaving it, the cable forms an acute angle with the water's edge. This is called a long stay-peak or a short stay-peak according as the anchor is farther from or nearer to the ship.
1862 Internat. Exhib.: Illustr. Catal. Industr. Dept. II. xii. §2784 Elasticity of form, which enables it to sustain sudden strains or jerks at short stay-peak.
1867 W. H. Smyth & E. Belcher Sailor's Word-bk. 46 A ship drawn directly over the anchor is apeek; when the fore-stay and cable form a line, it is short stay apeek; when in a line with the main-stay, long stay apeek.
1874 F. G. D. Bedford Sailor's Pocket Bk. vi. 179 In being towed by a vessel, if alongside, contrive to have the rope from as far forward as possible, so as to avoid riding at a short stay.
1882 G. S. Nares Seamanship (ed. 6) 198 Heave in to a short stay (when the amount of cable out is a little more than the depth of water).
d. full for stays: see quot.
ΚΠ
1867 W. H. Smyth & E. Belcher Sailor's Word-bk. Full for Stays! The order to keep the sails full to preserve the velocity, assisting the action of the rudder in tacking ship.
Compounds
Also staysail n. † stay-nail n. Obsolete a nail for securing a stay.
stay-block n. a block buried in the ground as an attachment for the stay of a telegraph pole.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > support > [noun] > that which supports > supporting blocks > buried underground as anchorage
deadmana1852
stay-block1876
1876 W. H. Preece & J. Sivewright Telegraphy 204 The hole for the stay-block should be under-cut in the manner shown in fig. 119.
stay-hole n. (see quot. 1794).
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > travel by water > vessel, ship, or boat > equipment of vessel > masts, rigging, or sails > sail > [noun] > sail set on a stay > parts of
hoist1794
stay-hole1794
1794 D. Steel Elements & Pract. Rigging & Seamanship I. 89 Stay-holes. Holes made through staysails, at certain distances along the hoist, through which they are seized to the hanks on the stay.
1875 E. H. Knight Pract. Dict. Mech. Stay-hole.
stay-light n. a riding light ( Cent. Dict. 1891).
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > equipment > building and constructing equipment > fastenings > [noun] > nail > nails for other specific uses
stay-nail1296
wough-nailc1300
strake-nail1334
wall-nail1344
traverse nail1348
doornail1350
gad-nail1375
lath-nail1388
clout-nail1463
lattice-nail1480
lath-brod1536
sheathing-nail1611
bellows-nail1731
weight nail1850
panel pin1867
wheeler1873
fencing-nail1874
brattice-nail1880
toggle1934
1296 Accts. Exchequer King's Remembrancer 5/20 m. 4 b In vna petra ferri yspannie ad staynayl faciendum iiij.d.
stay-peak n. (see 2c).
stay-rope n. = sense 1.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > travel by water > vessel, ship, or boat > equipment of vessel > masts, rigging, or sails > rigging > [noun] > fixed rigging > stay
staya1100
stay-rope?1518
?1518 Cocke Lorelles Bote sig. C.jv Some the stay rope suerly byndes.
stay-tackle n. (see quot. 1815).
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > travel by water > vessel, ship, or boat > equipment of vessel > tackle or purchase > [noun] > for hoisting things into or out of ship
garnet1485
derrick1756
stay-tackle1815
gin1836
gadget1891
1815 W. Burney Falconer's New Universal Dict. Marine (rev. ed.) Stay-Tackle, a large tackle, attached by means of a pendant to the main stay. It is used to hoist heavy bodies..in and out of the ship and out of the holds.
1836 F. Marryat Pirate xiii, in Pirate & Three Cutters 143 Their yards and stay-tackles are up; all ready for hoisting out the long-boat.
stay-wire n. (a) a wire forming part of a stay for a telegraph pole; (b) a supporting wire on an aircraft.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > telecommunication > telegraphy or telephony > [noun] > pole > supporting wire for
stay-wire1876
society > travel > air or space travel > a means of conveyance through the air > aeroplane > parts of aircraft > [noun] > wires for structural support > specific wires
stay-wire1876
stay1894
lift wire1915
incidence wire1916
landing wire1917
1876 W. H. Preece & J. Sivewright Telegraphy 206 The stay-wires should be at least three inches distant from the line wire nearest to them.
1919 [see sense 1b]. 1969 K. Munson Pioneer Aircraft 1903–14 9 The superposed horizontal surfaces, A, formed by stretching cloth upon frames of wood and wire, constitute the ‘wings’ or supporting part of the apparatus. They are connected to each other through hinge-joints by upright standards and lateral stay-wires.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1915; most recently modified version published online June 2022).
stayn.2
/steɪ/, U.S. /steɪ/ 1.
a. Something that supports or steadies something else; esp. an appliance for holding up or securing in position some part of a structure; a prop, pedestal, buttress, bracket, or the like. † Also (rarely), something to lay hold upon.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > support > [noun] > that which supports
staffc1000
hold1042
source1359
legc1380
shorer1393
stabilimenta1398
upholder1398
sustentationa1400
undersetterc1400
bearinga1425
undersettinga1425
suppowellc1430
triclinec1440
sustentaclec1451
supportera1475
sustainerc1475
sustenal1483
stayc1515
buttress1535
underpinning1538
firmament1554
countenance1565
support1570
appuia1573
comfort1577
hypostasis1577
underpropping1586
porter1591
supportation1593
supportance1597
understaya1603
bearer1607
rest1609
upsetter1628
mountinga1630
sustent1664
underlay1683
holdfast1706
abutment1727
suppeditor1728
mount1739
monture1746
bed1793
appoggiatura1833
bracing1849
bench1850
under-pinner1859
bolster-piece1860
sustainer1873
table mount1923
the world > space > relative position > support > [noun] > that which supports > (a) handhold
stayc1515
holdfast1566
hand rest1819
handlebar1844
handhold1845
grasp-hold1851
grab bar1959
c1515 in R. Willis & J. W. Clark Archit. Hist. Univ. Cambr. (1886) I. 484 Glewe nayles broddes and Stayes.
c1535 in J. Gutch Collectanea Curiosa (1781) I. 205 Item for two stays for the vane of the said griffin.
?1541 R. Copland Guy de Chauliac's Questyonary Cyrurgyens iv. sig. Oj Take a lytell candell of waxe and gyue it a lytel stey belowe that it may holde ryght upon the flesshe.
1544 P. Betham tr. J. di Porcia Preceptes Warre i. cxiv. sig. F vjv Longe berdes and longe heere,..in battayle be troublesome... For they be good stayes, to holde a man hard and fast. Wherfore it shalbe good to clap them shorte.
1574 J. Baret Aluearie B 1004 A Bragget or staie cut out of stone or timber in building to beare vp the sommer or other part,..mutulus.
1576 G. Gascoigne Complaynt of Phylomene in Steele Glas sig. Q.iij At last: my staffe (which was mine onely stay) Did slippe.
1602 in J. Barmby Churchwardens' Accts. Pittington (1888) 51 Item given to John Scotte for settinge a stay to the Steple.
1604 Rates Marchandizes sig. C1 Deskes or stayes for bookes the dozen ii. s.
c1610–15 Life Holie Mectilde in C. Horstmann Lives Women Saints (1886) 115 Withoute pillow or any like supporting staye.
1617 F. Moryson Itinerary iii. 166 Their said shirt bands..hung upon their shoulders, notwithstanding they had staies to beare them up.
1658 W. Johnson tr. F. Würtz Surgeons Guid ii. xxv. 164 Let not his Heel [in leg fracture] be without a stay and rest.
1680 J. Moxon Mech. Exercises I. xi. 201 So that a Tool held steddy on any part of the Stay..will describe and cut a Screw.
c1680 W. Beveridge Serm. (1729) II. 49 An anchor that is fixed in firm ground, is reckon'd a sure stay for the ship in all weathers.
1713 W. Derham Physico-theol. vi. ii. 360 A Part of the Cerebell is on each side fenced with the Os petrosum: So that by this double Stay, it's whole Mass is firmly contained within the Skull.
1827 M. Faraday Chem. Manip. xiv. 304 It will be proper to introduce a stay or two, pieces of black lead tube for instance, as supporters to the lute.
1836 C. Thirlwall Hist. Greece II. 361 The scarcity became such that they were driven to boil and eat the leathern stays of their bedding.
1842 J. Gwilt Encycl. Archit. Gloss. 1037 Stay, a piece performing the office of a brace, to prevent the swerving of the piece to which it is applied.
1845 P. Barlow Manuf. in Encycl. Metrop. VIII. 105/2 Face wheels..have sometimes stays or braces proceeding from the back of the rim to some distance along the shaft.
1886 C. E. Pascoe London of To-day (ed. 3) xxxiv. 310 A tree..propped up by iron stays.
b. figurative. A thing or a person that affords support; an object of reliance.Exceedingly common in the second half of the 16th century. In modern use the word, though not uncommon even colloquially, has often a suggestion of archaism.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > easiness > aid, help, or assistance > support > [noun] > that which or one who supports
crutchc900
upholda1066
uptakinga1300
arma1382
postc1387
staff1390
sustainerc1390
undersetterc1400
potent?a1439
buttressa1450
supportalc1450
comfort1455
supporta1456
studa1500
poge1525
underpropper1532
shore1534
staya1542
prop1562
stoopa1572
underprop1579
sustentation1585
rest1590
underpinning1590
supportance1597
sustinent1603
lean1610
reliance1613
hingea1616
columna1620
spar1630
gable end1788
lifeboat1832
standback1915
the mind > mental capacity > expectation > hope > confident hope, trust > [noun] > object of trust
sheet-anchor1524
confidence1535
staya1542
mainstay1604
reposure1682
dependence1753
a1542 T. Wyatt Coll. Poems (1969) 121 Thi holly word off eterne excellence, Thi mercys promesse..Have bene my stay, my piller and pretence.
?1553 Respublica (1952) ii. i. 16 What mervaile then yf I wanting a perfecte staigh From mooste flourishing welth bee falen in decaye?
1560 Bible (Geneva) 2 Sam. xxii. 19 The Lord was my stay.
1560 Bible (Geneva) Isa. iii. 1 For lo, the Lord God of hostes wil take away from Ierusalem and from Iudah the stay and the strength: euen all the stay of bread, and all the stay of water.
1563 2nd Tome Homelyes Matrimony sig. X.xxxiv For there is no stronger defence and staye in all our lyfe, then is prayer.
1583 P. Stubbes Second Pt. Anat. Abuses sig. E2v Commons and moores which were woont to be the onely staie of the poore.
1641 J. Jackson True Evangelical Temper iii. 190 Surely that is a very aery soule, whose chiefe rest and stay is not his Religion.
1719 D. Defoe Farther Adventures Robinson Crusoe 8 She was..the Stay of all my Affairs.
1807 W. Wordsworth Resolution & Independence in Poems I. 97 ‘God,’ said I, ‘be my help and stay secure.’
1821 W. Scott Kenilworth I. viii. 218 His daughter, who should be the stay of his age.
1836 T. Kelly Speed thy Servants (hymn) ii As their stay thy promise taking.
1849 C. Brontë Shirley II. i. 22 She was still such a stay, such a counsellor.
1861 C. Reade Cloister & Hearth (1896) iv. 21 From that hour Gerard was looked upon as the stay of the family.
1884 Congregational Year Bk. 70 Make a legal statute the stay of religion, and you repeal religion.
1885 ‘Mrs. Alexander’ At Bay vii. 107 His finery, however, was no stay to his self-esteem, for his..face had an uneasy, crestfallen expression.
1909 Expositor Jan. 55 The Temple was in his experience the centre and stay of Hebrew worship.
c. In abstract sense: Support. Also, †reliance. †to make stay upon: to rely on.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > easiness > aid, help, or assistance > support > [noun]
holtc1375
fastnessa1382
maintenance1384
supportc1391
suppowell1399
supportationc1405
subministrationa1425
conforturec1475
stay1532
back-stand1548
supportance1576
backing1598
voice1600
supportment1607
supporture1609
seconding1613
manutenency?1630
the mind > mental capacity > expectation > hope > confident hope, trust > [noun] > reliance
stay1532
reliance1606
recumbency1641
recumbence1648
the mind > mental capacity > belief > belief, trust, confidence > trust [verb (intransitive)] > rely on
wrethea1225
treousec1275
resta1382
to stand upon ——a1393
hang1393
lengc1440
arrest1523
reckon1547
ground1551
stay1560
depend1563
repose1567
rely1574
count1642
to make stay upon1682
allot1816
tie1867
1532 L. Cox Art or Crafte Rhetoryke sig. E.ivv That what maketh for the accuser euermore the contrary..is sure staye for the defender.
1542 N. Udall tr. Erasmus Apophthegmes Erasm. Pref. Wee putte not our whole trust and staigh in thynges external.
1561 J. Hollybush tr. H. Brunschwig Most Excellent Homish Apothecarye f. 44v Let him walke..wyth the staye of other.
1593 T. Churchyard Challenge 139 When weake Shores wife, had lost her staffe of stay.
?1615 G. Chapman tr. Homer Odysses (new ed.) iv. 171 She tooke her State-chaire; and a foot-stooles stay Had for her feete.
1618 in W. Foster Eng. Factories India 1618–21 (1906) 7 I am very glad of your stay and allowance.
1648 W. Mountagu in Buccleuch MSS (Hist. MSS Comm.) (1899) I. 309 The sad news of my mother's death is to me a very great affliction, that had so great a stay by her.
1651 C. Cartwright Certamen Religiosum ii. 44 The Popes not erring was but an opinion of policy, and not of Theologie; to give stay to the Laity.
1682 J. Bunyan Holy War 222 But for that you must wholly and solely have recourse to, and make stay upon his Doctrine, that is your teacher after the first order. View more context for this quotation
1866 J. R. Seeley Ecce Homo (ed. 8) ii. 11 We see the good man..deprived of the stay of all precedent or example.
2. spec.† b. The arm or back of a chair. Obsolete.† c. = stay-bar n. at Compounds 2 (see Compounds 2 (b)). Obsolete.† d. One of the strings holding up the brim of a shovel-hat. Also a cap-string passing under the chin. Obsolete.With regard to the sense in quot. 1601 cf. Cooper 1565: ‘Spira,..a bande or lace aboute a cappe, or hatte.’† g. A maulstick. Obsolete.
a. A support for a climbing plant. ? Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > farming > gardening > equipment and buildings > [noun] > stake for plants
fork1389
incrementc1420
stakingc1440
stay1577
stick1577
bean-wood1584
pea stick1745
beanpole1798
stickings1800
bean-stick1823
pea-stake1840
flower-stick1881
pea-bough1885
trainer2004
1577 B. Googe tr. C. Heresbach Foure Bks. Husbandry i. f. 33 This amongest all other Pulse groweth in height without any stay.
1601 P. Holland tr. Pliny Hist. World I. xvii. xxiii. 538 If a Vine bee to climbe trees that are of any great height, there would bee staies and appuies set to it, whereupon it may take hold.
a1682 Sir T. Browne Certain Misc. Tracts (1683) i. 33 In many places out of Italy Vines do grow without any stay or support.
1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Pastorals iii, in tr. Virgil Wks. 11 When I..Cut Micon's tender Vines, and stole the Stays.
1705 J. Addison Remarks Italy 60 The Trees themselves serve, at the same time, as so many Stays for their Vines.
ΘΚΠ
society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > a building > furniture and fittings > seat > chair > [noun] > parts of chairs > back
chair-bow1483
chair-boll1556
stay1560
back1670
chair-back1747
society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > a building > furniture and fittings > seat > chair > [noun] > parts of chairs > arm
leaning-post1535
stay1560
elbow1611
arm1652
armrest1852
1560 Bible (Geneva) 1 Kings x. 19 There were stayes on ether side on the place of the throne.
1656 tr. J. A. Comenius Latinæ Linguæ Janua Reserata: Gate Lat. Tongue Unlocked xlii. §470 For the more commodious sitting are stools and chairs, with staies [L. cum fulcris].
ΘΚΠ
society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > a building > parts of building > window or door > parts of windows > [noun] > fittings or ornaments of windows > stay-bar
stay1669
stay-irons1833
stay-bar1839
1669 in R. Willis & J. W. Clark Archit. Hist. Univ. Cambr. (1886) II. 558 There shalbe..iron Stayes for all the said casements.
ΘΚΠ
the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > types or styles of clothing > headgear > parts of headgear > [noun] > strap or tie-string
string1564
stay1601
chin-stay1699
kissing-strings1705
throatlatch1727
bonnet1817
brides1829
hat guard1839
chin-strap1864
1601 P. Holland tr. Pliny Hist. World II. xxxiii. iii. 462 But say that women may be allowed to weare as much gold as they will,..in carkanets about their necks, in earings pendant at their ears, in staies, wreaths, & chinbands [L. collo, auribus, spiris].
1720 Right of Precedence between Phisicians & Civilians 21 I know no Reason..that a White Wig should lower to hoary Hair, or a brush'd Beaver strike to a Carolina-Hat with Stays.
1776 R. Chandler Trav. Greece xxvi. 124 The head-dress is a skull-cap, red or green, with pearls; a stay under the chin.
e. Weaving. = thrum n.2 1.
ΘΚΠ
the world > textiles and clothing > textiles > threads in process of weaving > [noun] > warp > threads of > unwoven ends of
thrum14..
stay1697
1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Georgics i, in tr. Virgil Wks. 60 Then Weavers stretch your Stays upon the Weft [L. licia telæ addere] . View more context for this quotation
f. A transverse piece in a link of a chain.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > equipment > building and constructing equipment > fastenings > [noun] > chain > link > part of
stay1831
1831 J. Holland Treat. Manuf. Metal (Cabinet Cycl.) I. 185 Any advantage supposed to be derived from stays or bars inserted in the direction of the shorter axis of the link.
1859 F. A. Griffiths Artillerist's Man. (1862) 310 The stay across the link of a chain increases its strength about one-sixth.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > the arts > visual arts > painting and drawing > equipment for painting or drawing > [noun] > stick to steady brush
mahlstick1658
stay1672
guiding-stick1857
1672 W. Salmon Polygraphice 165 The Stay, or Mol-stick, is a Brazil stick (or the like) of a yard long; having [etc.].
h. In various applications: see quots.
ΚΠ
1841 W. Templeton Locomotive Engine 13 The stays..are generally of ¾ths round copper,..being for the purpose of rendering the flat surfaces of the fire box capable of withstanding the force of the steam.
1860 Eng. & Foreign Mining Gloss. (new ed.) 44 Stays, pieces of wood to secure the pumps in the engine-shaft.
1867 W. H. Smyth & E. Belcher Sailor's Word-bk. Stay of a steamer, an iron bar between the two knees which secure the paddle-beams.
1871 W. Wigram Change-ringing Disentangled 2 From the top of the stock there rises a strong, upright piece of wood, or sometimes of iron, called the ‘stay’; and immediately below the bell's mouth, fixed to the frame, is the ‘slider’, or sliding-rest..by which the stay is caught when the bell is thrown mouth uppermost.
1875 E. H. Knight Amer. Mech. Dict. III. 2317/1 Stay,..(Steam) a. a rod, bar, bolt, or gusset in a boiler, to hold two parts together against the pressure of steam...b. sling-rods (sling-stays) connecting the locomotive boiler to its frame. c. Rods beneath the boiler supporting the inside bearings of the crank-axle of an English locomotive.
i. ? A gatepost. ? dialect.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > closed or shut condition > that which or one who closes or shuts > a barrier > [noun] > gate > gate-post
postela1225
gate-cheek1513
gatepost1522
shaft1522
post1662
pier1665
impost1730
clapping-post1792
hanging-post1792
heel post1802
hanging-stile1823
stay1869
shutting posta1877
1869 R. D. Blackmore Lorna Doone I. ii. 11 I leaned back on the stay of the gate.
3. in figurative context.1824 Ld. Byron Don Juan: Canto XV lxxxv. 47 But Virtue's self, with all her tightest laces, Has not the natural stays of strict old age.1826 W. Scott Jrnl. 29 Oct. (1939) 257 Beauvais is called the Pucelle, yet..she wears no stays—I mean, has no fortifications.1842 Ld. Tennyson Talking Oak xv, in Poems (new ed.) II. 67 The slight she-slips of loyal blood,..Strait-laced, but all-too-full in bud For puritanic stays.† c. (See quot. 1688) Obsolete.
a. plural. (Also a pair of stays.) A laced underbodice, stiffened by the insertion of strips of whale-bone (sometimes of metal or wood) worn by women (sometimes by men) to give shape and support to the figure: = corset n. 2.The use of the plural is due to the fact that stays were originally (as they still are usually) made in two pieces laced together.
ΘΚΠ
the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > types or styles of clothing > underwear > [noun] > corset
busk1581
a pair of stays1608
bodicea1625
stay1731
corset1795
belt1818
foundation garment1927
foundation1939
the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > types or styles of clothing > clothing for body or trunk (and limbs) > [noun] > dress, robe, or gown > parts of > part which covers body
a pair of stays1608
1608 T. Middleton Trick to catch Old-one i. sig. A3v Stay, (a thing few women can do..therefore they had need weare stayes).
1682 London Gaz. No. 1762/4 A pair of hair-coloured Sattin Stays.
1697 J. Vanbrugh Provok'd Wife ii. 18 With nothing on but her Stays, and her under scanty quilted Petticoat.
1707 G. Farquhar Beaux Stratagem iii. 22 Come, unlace your Steas.
1714 J. Gay Araminta in R. Steele Poet. Misc. 90 The rich Stays her Taper Shape confine.
1831 Ann. Reg., Chron. 26 Apr. 67/1 The Jury..returned a verdict, ‘that the deceased died of apoplexy, produced by her stays being too tightly laced.’
1843 J. W. Carlyle Lett. I. 231 Her improved appearance in a pair of stays and a gown.
1846 F. W. Fairholt Costume in Eng. 267 The men's custom of sometimes wearing stays.
1846 C. Dickens Dombey & Son (1848) iii. 23 Susan..had suddenly become so very upright that she seemed to have put an additional bone in her stays.
1867 J. Hatton Tallants iv His enemies said he wore stays and slept in gloves.
1885 Truth 28 May 850/2 The stays..displace the bust, pushing the bosom up almost to the neck.
b. singular. rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > types or styles of clothing > underwear > [noun] > corset
busk1581
a pair of stays1608
bodicea1625
stay1731
corset1795
belt1818
foundation garment1927
foundation1939
1731 Gentleman's Mag. 1 289 The stay he has an invincible aversion to, as giving a stiffness that is void of all grace.
1795 ‘P. Pindar’ Pindariana 178 Long, very long, was Mistress Dinah's waist; The stiff stay high before.
1847 W. M. Thackeray Vanity Fair (1848) iii. 19 He had tried, in order to give himself a waist, every girth, stay, and waistband then invented.
1871 Figure Training 97 My figure when unlaced would scarcely betray the fact that I had ever worn a stay.
ΘΚΠ
the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > types or styles of clothing > clothing for body or trunk (and limbs) > [noun] > dress, robe, or gown > parts of > other
square1579
underbody1621
stay1688
sack-back1784
underdress1806
tablier1820
overdress1848
pouf1869
Watteau pleat1873
Watteau school1891
Watteau back1899
collar-band1907
1688 R. Holme Acad. Armory iii. 94/1 In a Womans Gown there are..the Stayes, which is the body of the Gown before the Sleeves are put too, or covered with the outward stuff.
ΘΚΠ
the world > health and disease > healing > medical appliances or equipment > equipment for treating wound or ulcer > [noun] > poultice, plaster, or compress
plasterOE
clydec1325
emplastera1382
entretea1400
pottagea1400
poulticea1400
faldellac1400
treatc1400
Gratia Dei?a1425
magdaleon?a1425
strictorya1425
grace of Godc1450
emplastrum?1541
malagma?1541
sparadrap1543
spasmadrap?a1547
plasture?1550
mustard plaster1562
cataplasm1563
oint-plaster1578
quilt1583
compress1599
compression1599
diachylum-plaster1599
pulment1599
pulvinar1599
frontlet1600
sinapism1601
epithemation1615
diapalma1646
opodeldoc1646
attraction1656
treacle plaster1659
melilot emplaster1676
stay1676
oxycroceum1696
melilot plaster1712
adhesive1753
bag1753
mustard poultice1765
soap plaster1789
water dressing1830
poor man's plaster1833
compressor1851
spongiopiline1851
vinegar-poultice1854
water-strapping1854
pitch-plaster1858
jacket poultice1862
mustard leaf1869
mustard paper1874
piline1874
plaster-mull1890
mustard cloth1897
plaster-muslin1899
antiphlogistin1901
1676 J. Cooke Mellificium Chirurg. (ed. 3) 742 As for the Throat a Saffron-Stay, or Millepedes sowed up in a Stay, which is reputed excellent.
1728 E. Smith Compl. Housewife (ed. 2) 249 A Stay to prevent a sore Throat... Take Rue,..mix it with Honey [etc.]..sew it up in a Linen Stay, and apply it.
Compounds
General attributive. C1. Obvious combinations. (In sense 3.)
stay-binding n.
ΚΠ
1882 S. F. A. Caulfeild & B. C. Saward Dict. Needlework 460 Stay Bindings..are of twilled cotton, and may be had in white, grey, drab,..and buff colour.
stay-busk n.
ΚΠ
1858 P. L. Simmonds Dict. Trade Products Stay-busk, a stiff piece of wood, steel, or whalebone for the front support of a woman's stays.
stay-cord n.
ΚΠ
1882 S. F. A. Caulfeild & B. C. Saward Dict. Needlework 460 Stay Cord..is to be had made of cotton and of linen, for the purpose of lacing stays.
stay-maker n.
ΚΠ
1730 G. Berkeley Let. in Wks. (1871) IV. 172 One of Mrs. Van Homrigh's creditors (I think a stay-maker) was in France.
1791 J. Boswell Life Johnson anno 1737 I. 49 At the house of Mr. Norris, a staymaker.
1864 D. Allan Hist. Sketches Kirriemuir 15 He also wove cloth for staymakers.
stay-making n.
ΚΠ
1843 C. Dickens Let. 2 Nov. (1974) III. 589 Trades... I think of..stay-making [etc.].
1888 Pall Mall Gaz. 4 June 10/1 The parties conducted a large stay-making and ladies' underclothing business.
stay-stitcher n.
ΚΠ
1723 London Gaz. No. 6192/9 Elizabeth Beker,..Stay-stitcher.
stay-wearer n.
ΚΠ
1871 Figure Training 51 As a stay-wearer of a quarter of a century, you will, perhaps, allow me to [etc.].
stay-worker n.
ΚΠ
1879 St. George's Hosp. Rep. 9 141 Stay-worker.
C2. Special combinations:† stay-bobbin n. Obsolete cord used for lacing stays.
stay-band n. Scottish an iron rod serving to keep one leaf of a folding door in position.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > closed or shut condition > that which or one who closes or shuts > [noun] > bolt or bar
shuttle971
barc1175
esselc1275
slota1300
sperel13..
ginc1330
staple-bar1339
shotc1430
shuttingc1440
shutc1460
spar1596
counter-bar1611
shooter1632
drawbar1670
night bolt1775
drop-bolt1786
snibbing-bolt1844
stay-band1844
window bar1853
heck-stower1876
barrel bolt1909
latch bolt1909
panic bolt1911
1844 H. Stephens Bk. of Farm I. 199 The upper-barn door, of two vertical leaves, requires an iron stay-band to fasten it with.
stay-bar n. (a) Architecture (see quot. 1850); (b) a bar for keeping a casement window open at a certain angle; (c) = stay-rod n.
ΘΚΠ
society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > a building > parts of building > window or door > parts of windows > [noun] > glazing or dividing bar
monial1332
sodlet1332
stay-bar1399
transom1502
mullion1556
munnion1571
calm1577
leading1597
window bar1612
stroke1684
came1688
leads1705
saddle-bar?1733
transom-shaft1813
sash bar1837
baluster1844
baluster column1844
supermonial1846
supermullion1846
astragal1858
wagtail1940
the world > space > relative position > support > [noun] > that which supports > supporting rod
stay-bar1503–4
stay-rod1844
tie-bar1861
tie-stay1892
society > occupation and work > equipment > machine > parts of machines > shaft > [noun] > rod
rod1494
stay-bar1503–4
pitman1813
connecting rod1839
stay-rod1844
pushrod1908
society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > a building > parts of building > window or door > parts of windows > [noun] > fittings or ornaments of windows > stay-bar
stay1669
stay-irons1833
stay-bar1839
1399 Accts. Exchequer King's Remembrancer 473/11 m. 2, .j. staybarre .v. transonbarrez.
1503–4 in H. Littlehales Medieval Rec. London City Church (1905) 252 Payd for a stay bar of yerryn to stay the Nev pevys [= pews] in to þe vavtt.
1532–3 in E. Law Hist. Hampton Court Palace (1885) 348 Payd to John à Guylders, smythe, for 170 lockketts, 25 staybarres.
1839 Civil Engineer & Architect's Jrnl. 2 361/1 One of the most universally useful of these is a window fastening, or staybar.
1846 [see stay-rod n.]. 1850 J. H. Parker Gloss. Terms Archit. (ed. 5) I. 445 Stay-bar: the horizontal iron bar which extends in one piece along the top of the mullions of a traceried window.
ΘΚΠ
the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > types or styles of clothing > underwear > [noun] > corset > parts of
busk point1598
busk1688
staylace1720
stay-bobbin1775
1775 J. Ash New Dict. Eng. Lang. Stay-bobbin, a kind of bobbin used for stays.
stay-bolt n. a bolt connecting plates of a boiler, to secure them against internal pressure.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > equipment > machine > machines which impart power > boiler > [noun] > parts of > other parts
saddle1688
float1753
fire door1765
mudhole1824
stay-bolt1839
water table1856
hydrostat1858
mud drum1864
vomit1880
hydrokineter1883
retarder1890
1839 R. S. Robinson Naut. Steam Engine Explained 118 Strong stay bolts, rivetted at each end, secure the flues to each other, and to the sides of the boiler.
stay braid n. a kind of braid used in ornamenting stays (1775 in Ash).
ΚΠ
1759 Newport (Rhode Island) Mercury 26 June 4/3 To be sold by Jacob Richardson,..Stay Braid and Cord.
stay-end n. (see quot. a1884).
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > means of travel > a conveyance > vehicle > cart, carriage, or wagon > parts of cart or carriage > [noun] > support and fittings to resist action of draught
wheel-iron1829
backstay1879
stay-enda1884
a1884 E. H. Knight Pract. Dict. Mech. Suppl. 854/1 Stay end, the end of a back-stay in a carriage. Stay-ends are sold separately as pieces of carriage hardware.
stay-goods n. the materials of which stays are made (Ash).
stayhold n. a firm foothold.Apparently an isolated use.
ΚΠ
1851 F. Palgrave Hist. Normandy & Eng. I. 619 He was sliding down a precipice seeming to offer some narrow ridge giving stayhold to his feet.
stay-hook n. (see quot. 1860).
ΘΚΠ
the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > types or styles of clothing > clothing for body or trunk (and limbs) > [noun] > bodice > parts of
waistcoat1711
stay-hook1743
mantilla1835
plastron1857
Basque1860
jabot1881
Amadis1898
corsage1911
halter1935
1743 Boston Gaz. in Alice M. Earle's Costume Col. Times (1894) 240 Silver'd Stayhooks.
1771 T. Smollett Humphry Clinker I. 47 She pretended she was cheapening a stay-hook.
1860 F. W. Fairholt Costume in Eng. (ed. 2) (Gloss.) Stay-hook, a small hook stuck in front of the boddice for hanging a watch or etui upon.
stay-irons n. (a) (see quot. 1833); (b) (see quot. 1876).
ΘΚΠ
society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > a building > parts of building > window or door > parts of windows > [noun] > fittings or ornaments of windows > stay-bar
stay1669
stay-irons1833
stay-bar1839
1833 J. C. Loudon Encycl. Cottage Archit. §84 Cast-iron casements, made to open with strong hinges, latches and spring stay-irons (irons to keep the window open).
1876 G. E. Voyle & G. de Saint-Clair-Stevenson Mil. Dict. (ed. 3) 402/1 Stay-irons, in artillery carriages, the iron rods which connect the ends of the axle-bed to the splinter-bar.
stay-rod n. a rod serving to give support, or to connect two parts of a machine or structure to prevent displacement.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > support > [noun] > that which supports > supporting rod
stay-bar1503–4
stay-rod1844
tie-bar1861
tie-stay1892
society > occupation and work > equipment > machine > parts of machines > shaft > [noun] > rod
rod1494
stay-bar1503–4
pitman1813
connecting rod1839
stay-rod1844
pushrod1908
1844 H. Stephens Bk. of Farm II. 542 Two iron stay-rods pass from the end frames to the shafts as an additional support to the latter.
1846 A. Young Naut. Dict. 310 Each engine has two of these frames, the whole supported by strong malleable iron stay-bars or stay-rods.
stay-slot n. Scottish a diagonal bar of a hurdle.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > closed or shut condition > that which or one who closes or shuts > a barrier > [noun] > hurdle > parts of
stay-slota1844
sowel1844
twilley hole1893
twilly1948
a1844 Main in H. Stephens' Bk. Farm II. 70 The 2 stay-slots are cut with a bend at the bottom, and rather sharply pointed.
stay-tube n. in a multitubular boiler, each of a number of tubes that are made stronger than the rest, and fitted with nuts so as to serve as stays between the tube-plate and the front of the boiler.
ΚΠ
1887 Encycl. Brit. XXII. 499/1 [article Steam-Engine] There are 127 tubes at each end, 46 of which are stay-tubes.
stayword n. rare a saying or maxim that gives support.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > saying, maxim, adage > [noun] > giving support
stayword1897
1897 Westm. Gaz. 16 June 10/1 The Prince of Wales naturally finds in the motto of his crest a stayword.
Draft additions December 2022
Chiefly in plural. A thin, typically flat, strip of a firm but flexible material (originally whalebone, now usually metal or plastic) inserted into the fabric of a corset, shirt collar, or other garment in order to stiffen, support, or shape it. Cf. stave n.2 4d.
ΘΠ
the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > parts of clothing > [noun] > stiffening > whalebone > strip of
bone1595
whalebone1601
fin1634
1872 Health Reformer June 174/1 It would kill a man in a very short time to fix ten or a dozen pounds of hair upon the back of his head..then put on him a corset filled with stays..then swallow turkey, beef, salad, coffee, ice-cream, and pastry.
1914 Bendigo (Victoria) Advertiser 18 Apr. 5/3 I tried ripping open the corset open across the top, and breaking off those stays that came under my arms.
1951 N. Y. Times (Nexis) 11 Mar. 92 (advt.) Sports shirts... Perfect when worn with or without a necktie... Removable collar stays.
2015 Orthopaedics (Nexis) 1 Dec. Lower Extremity Soft Supports..include braces..manufactured from neoprene, canvas and fabric, and can be reinforced with metal or plastic stays for added support.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1915; most recently modified version published online December 2022).
stayn.3
/steɪ/, U.S. /steɪ/ 1. † c. to make stay of: to put a stop to (an action); to arrest (a person); to intercept (goods, etc.) in transit; to stop the circulation of (a book).† d. concrete. An appliance for stopping. Obsolete.
a. The action of stopping or bringing to a stand or pause; the fact of being brought to a stand or delayed; a stoppage, arrest, or suspension of action; a check, setback.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > ceasing > [noun] > causing cessation of action or operation
arrestc1400
stanchingc1400
arresting1424
cessing1512
stay1537
surceasing1553
staying1563
cohibition1586
intercepting1598
interception1611
stoppage1657
arrestation1793
arrestment1836
stemming1914
turn-off1967
1537 King Henry VIII in State Papers Henry VIII (1834) II. 423 Sithens the first stey of the violence of the late rebellion of the said Thomas Fytzgarald.
1549 R. Crowley Voyce Laste Trumpet sig. Aviv As men that woulde neuer finde staye, Till al the earth were in their hand.
1551 R. Robinson tr. T. More Vtopia sig. Mviiiv In lesse then .iij. yeres space their was nothing in the Greke tonge that they lackede. They were able to reade good authors wythout anny staye [L. inoffense].
1594 T. Kyd tr. R. Garnier Cornelia ii. 351 Fraile men..Had neuer power to practise stayes Of this celestiall influence.
1595 E. Spenser Epithalamion in Amoretti & Epithalamion xiv. sig. H2v Poure out the wine without restraint or stay.
1625 F. Bacon Ess. (new ed.) 333 As farre, as the Weaknesse of Humane Iudgement, can giue stay to so great Reuolutions.
1640 in J. Rushworth Hist. Coll.: Third Pt. (1692) I. 164 That there be a stay of committing any waste in the felling of any Wood.
a1665 K. Digby Jrnl. Voy. to Mediterranean (1868) 2 To protect the skipper from a like stay againe if he should meete with other men of warre in his iorney to London.
1810 W. Scott Lady of Lake v. 223 Whose fiery steeds ill-brooked the stay Of the steep street and crowded way.
1842 T. B. Macaulay Horatius lxiii But for this stay, ere close of day We should have sacked the town.
1862 G. Borrow Wild Wales III. 99 A conqueror who no stay will brook.
1886 Pall Mall Gaz. 9 Sept. 12/1 It is hard to see what decent case Mr. Parnell will be able to make out for that stay upon the right of eviction which forms a provision of his bill.
1898 Daily News 22 Sept. 4/5 Our Special Correspondent suggests as a practicable minimum the stay of armaments for five years.
b. Law. Suspension of a judicial proceeding.
ΘΚΠ
society > law > administration of justice > court proceedings or procedure > [noun] > a stay or suspension of proceedings
stay1542
suspension1581
truce1609
sisting1648
sist1686
1542 in Vicary's Anat. Bodie of Man (1888) App. iii. 125 The Wardeyns of the Surgeons..to be here the next Court day..for the Stey of theyr sute in the Escheker.
c1590 Sir Thomas More (1911) 603 Some of the Benche Sir, think it very fit that stay be made, and giue it out abroade the execution is deferd till morning.
1617 Earl of Worcester in Buccleuch MSS (Hist. MSS Comm.) (1899) I. 208 There was a letter..for the stay of a suit depending in the Chancery.
1621 H. Elsynge Notes Deb. House of Lords (1870) 31 Whether Yelverton made a stay of the last patent, and the reason why he past yt?
1752 J. Louthian Form of Process (ed. 2) 214 And then asks her, What she can say for herself in stay of Execution.
1766 Ld. Kames Remarkable Decisions Court of Session 1730–52 67 This..makes it necessary for the charger to get the stay to his diligence removed.
1769 W. Blackstone Comm. Laws Eng. IV. viii. 115 To obtain any stay of proceedings, other than by arrest of judgment or writ of error,..is likewise a praemunire.
1856 Ann. Reg., Chron. 65/2 The prisoner's counsel then moved for a stay of execution.
1875 H. J. S. Maine Lect. Early Hist. Inst. x. 281 The Distress when seized was in certain cases liable to a Stay.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > ceasing > cease from (an action or operation) [verb (transitive)] > cause to cease or put a stop to
astintc700
stathea1200
atstuntc1220
to put an end toa1300
to set end ofa1300
batec1300
stanch1338
stinta1350
to put awayc1350
arrestc1374
finisha1375
terminec1390
achievea1393
cease1393
removec1405
terminate?a1425
stop1426
surceasec1435
resta1450
discontinue1474
adetermine1483
blina1500
stay1525
abrogatea1529
suppressa1538
to set in or at stay1538
to make stay of1572
depart1579
check1581
intercept1581
to give a stop toa1586
dirempt1587
date1589
period1595
astayc1600
nip1600
to break off1607
snape1631
sist1635
to make (a) stop of1638
supersede1643
assopiatea1649
periodizea1657
unbusya1657
to put a stop to1679
to give the holla to1681
to run down1697
cessate1701
end1737
to choke off1818
stopper1821
punctuate1825
to put a stopper on1828
to take off ——1845
still1850
to put the lid on1873
on the fritz1900
to close down1903
to put the fritz on something1910
to put the bee on1918
switch1921
to blow the whistle on1934
society > communication > printing > [verb (transitive)] > of a book, stop circulation
to make stay of1572
the mind > possession > taking > seizing > seize [verb (transitive)] > in transit
intercept1548
to make stay of1572
surcept1579
waylay1600
stop1604
society > law > administration of justice > general proceedings > arrest > [verb (transitive)]
at-holda1230
attacha1325
resta1325
takec1330
arrest1393
restay?a1400
tachec1400
seisinc1425
to take upa1438
stowc1450
seize1471
to lay (also set, clap, etc.) (a person) by the heels?1515
deprehend1532
apprehend1548
nipa1566
upsnatcha1566
finger1572
to make stay of1572
embarge1585
cap1590
reprehend1598
prehenda1605
embar1647
nap1665
nab1686
bone1699
roast1699
do1784
touch1785
pinch1789
to pull up1799
grab1800
nick1806
pull1811
hobble1819
nail1823
nipper1823
bag1824
lag1847
tap1859
snaffle1860
to put the collar on1865
copper1872
to take in1878
lumber1882
to pick up1887
to pull in1893
lift1923
drag1924
to knock off1926
to put the sleeve on1930
bust1940
pop1960
vamp1970
1572 in 13th Rep. Royal Comm. Hist. MSS (1892) App. iv. 12 To make staie of suche frebutters, rovers and men of warre with their shipes and boates.
1633 T. Stafford Pacata Hibernia i. xxi. 119 Whereupon hee wrote unto the Lord Deputie this ensuing Letter, making stay of the Lord Awdley untill he should receiue answer thereof.
1642 Declar. Lds. & Comm. conc. Necess. Kingd. 7 Jan. 3 Stay is made of their Cole-ships.
1647 T. May Hist. Parl. ii. iv. 73 They should take special care to make stay of all Arms and Ammunition carrying towards York.
1648 C. Walker Relations & Observ. ii. 121 Major Generall Lambert had made stay of a Scotish Gentleman.
1654 E. Johnson Hist. New-Eng. 12 He will ease you of your burden by making stay of any farther resort unto you.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > absence of movement > [noun] > state of cessation of movement > arrest of motion > that which arrests
stay?1523
scotch1639
to put a stopper on1828
stop-piece1840
backstop1851
stop-pin1869
sprag1878
arrester-
?1523 J. Fitzherbert Bk. Husbandry f. iiv The plough fote..is a stay to order of what depnesse the plough shall go.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > calmness > self-possession or self-control > [noun]
repressiona1413
governailc1425
willc1480
self-rule1532
coldness1548
stay1556
presentness of mind1598
coolness1607
cold blooda1609
temper1611
self-discipline1612
retention?1615
presence of mind?1624
self-governance1630
retentiveness1641
self-command1651
self-mastery1652
self-control1653
self-direction1653
self-restraint1656
self-possession1665
possessednessa1698
self-regulation1698
possession1703
retenue1747
sang-froid1750
self-collection1761
render1768
self-collectedness1805
self-repression1821
self-containedness1835
unimpulsiveness1860
cool-headedness1881
sophrosyne1889
cool1964
1556 J. Heywood Spider & Flie xiii. 15 Stey in him selfe he toke.
1561 T. Norton & T. Sackville Gorboduc i. ii. 307 That they, restreyned by the awe of you, May liue in compasse of well tempred staye.
1596 T. Danett tr. P. de Commynes Hist. vi. xiii. 238 Yet was it much that he had such stay of himselfe.
1622 F. Bacon Hist. Raigne Henry VII 14 Well shewing and fore-tokening the wisdome, stay, and moderation of the Kings spirit of Gouernment.
3. † b. A cessation of hostility or dissension. Also, a means of reconciliation. Obsolete.† c. Astr. stay of the sun = solstice n. Obsolete.† d. Music. = pause n. 2b. Obsolete.† e. A stop, sign in punctuation; the pause indicated by a stop. Obsolete.
a. A coming to a stand; a cessation of progress or action; a stop, pause, halt. to make (a) stay.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > ceasing > [noun] > a stop or cessation of action or process
steadc1000
stayc1563
full stopa1586
period1590
death blow1596
vacation1617
stand1625
let-up1836
estop1884
c1563 Jyl of Breyntfords Test. sig. B.iv Now hold your hand and make a stay there.
1585 T. Washington tr. N. de Nicolay Nauigations Turkie iii. viii. 82 b Trauailing both day and night without any rest or stay.
1586 Let. to Earl Leycester 6 She might by the stay thereof, procure the heauie displeasure of Almightie God.
1598 J. Florio Worlde of Wordes Falchi, are staies when a horse doth rest vpon his hinder parts.
1600 W. Shakespeare Midsummer Night's Dream v. ii. 51 Trippe away: make no stay . View more context for this quotation
1609 P. Holland tr. Ammianus Marcellinus Rom. Hist. 262 Among whome there was now no hoe nor stay at all of their hands.
1609 Bible (Douay) I. Josh. x. 12 (margin) Josue did thinke if the moone moued the sunne also must necessarily moue so he obtained the stay of both.
c1616 R. C. Times' Whistle (1871) vi. 2361 Yet fond man Runnes in this gulfe of sinne without all stay.
1633 G. Herbert Pulley in Temple ii When almost all was out, God made a stay.
a1639 J. Spottiswood Hist. Church Scotl. (1851) II. 62 It was night before they came thither..because of the stays she made by the way.
1641 J. Taylor Last Voy. sig. A6 With many stops, stayes, and taking leaves, wee gat to Oatlands at night.
a1648 Ld. Herbert Life Henry VIII (1649) 43 At last he commands a stay.
1659 H. Hammond Paraphr. & Annot. Psalms (cx. 7 Annot.) 566/1 Souldiers..that are thirsty, but will not make stay at an Inne.
a1721 M. Prior Epigr. Bp. Atterbury i Without stop or stay,..make the best of your way.
1805 W. Wordsworth Waggoner i. 36 And up the craggy hill ascending Many a stop and stay he makes.
1843 J. Ruskin Mod. Painters I. 186 We can plunge far and farther, and without stay or end, into the profundity of space.
ΘΚΠ
society > armed hostility > peace > [noun] > cessation of hostilities > suspension of hostilities
truce?c1225
abstinence1386
induces1490
abstinence, prorogation of war1517
surseance1523
stay1563
surceasance1587
treague1590
suspension of arms or hostilities1603
cessation1628
still-stand1637
armistice1677
ceasefire1918
society > society and the community > dissent > absence of dissension or peace > bringing about concord or peace > [noun] > reconciliation > means of reconciliation
reconciler1536
stay1563
1563 2nd Tome Homelyes Nativity sig. A aaa j A Messias, or mediatour,..whiche shoulde make intercession, and put him selfe as a staye betwene both partes, to pacifie the wrath and indignation conceaued agaynst sinne, and [etc.].
1599 E. Sandys Europæ Speculum (1632) 172 If any stay or agreement could bee taken with the Turke, all Germany were in daunger to bee in uprore within it selfe by intestine dissention.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the universe > sun > solar movement > [noun] > solstice
sunsteadOE
solsticea1325
stinting of the suna1387
solsticionc1400
standing of the sun?1440
solstitium?1521
stay of the sun1538
solstacionc1540
sunstay1545
conversion1553
staying of the sun1555
solstitial1561
solsticy1570
trope1599
solstead1601
1538 T. Elyot Dict. Solstitium, the stay of the sonne, whan he can not be eyther hygher or lower.
1555 R. Eden tr. Peter Martyr of Angleria Decades of Newe Worlde i. ii. f. 10 In no place towarde the stay of the sonne (cauled Solsticium) can the night be equall with the day.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > the arts > music > written or printed music > notation > [noun] > pause sign
pause1614
hold1660
stay1667
fermata1876
1667 C. Simpson Compend. Pract. Musick 25 This Mark or Arch ..is also set..over certain particular Notes in the middle of Songs, when (for humour) we are to insist or stay a little upon the said Notes; and thereupon it is called a Stay, or Hold.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > writing > written character > punctuation > [noun] > point or stop
distinction1552
stay1596
stop1598
interpunction1617
punctc1620
punctum1652
interpoint1684
interstinctive point1696
dot1699
interpunctuation1717
guard-stops1866
distinctive1874
interpunct1898
punctus elevatus1951
punctus versus1951
punctus1954
1596 E. Coote Eng. Schoole-maister ii. 30 Those which wee call poynts or staies in writing: as this marke (,)..noteth a small stay: two prickes thus (:) maketh a longer stay, and one pricke thus (·) is put for a fulle stay.
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > a suitable time or opportunity > untimeliness > delay or postponement > [noun]
longingeOE
bideOE
abodec1225
bodea1300
demura1300
dwella1300
litinga1300
delayc1300
delayingc1300
demurrancec1300
but honec1325
without ensoignec1325
abidec1330
dretchingc1330
dwellingc1330
essoinc1330
tarrying1340
litea1350
delaymenta1393
respitea1393
oversettinga1398
delayancea1400
delitea1400
lingeringa1400
stounding?a1400
sunyiea1400
targea1400
train?a1400
deferring14..
dilation14..
dayc1405
prolongingc1425
spacec1430
adjourningc1436
retardationc1437
prolongation?a1439
training1440
adjournment1445
sleuthingc1450
tarry1451
tarriance1460
prorogation1476
oversetc1485
tarriage1488
debaid1489
supersedement1492
superseding1494
off-putting1496
postponing1496
tract1503
dilating1509
sparinga1513
hafting1519
sufferance1523
tracking1524
sticking1525
stay1530
pause1532
protraction1535
tracting1535
protract of time1536
protracting1540
postposition1546
staying1546
procrastination1548
difference1559
surceasing1560
tardation1568
detract1570
detracting1572
tarryment1575
rejourning1578
detraction1579
longness1579
rejournment1579
holding1581
reprieving1583
cunctation1585
retarding1585
retardance1586
temporizing1587
by and by1591
suspensea1592
procrastinatinga1594
tardance1595
linger1597
forslacking1600
morrowing1602
recess1603
deferment1612
attendance1614
put-off1623
adjournal1627
fristing1637
hanging-up1638
retardment1640
dilatoriness1642
suspension1645
stickagea1647
tardidation1647
transtemporation1651
demurragea1656
prolatation1656
prolation1656
moration1658
perendination1658
offput1730
retardure1751
postponement1757
retard1781
traverse1799
tarrowing1832
mañana1845
temporization1888
procrastinativeness1893
deferral1895
traa dy liooar1897
stalling1927
heel-tapping1949
off-put1970
the world > time > a suitable time or opportunity > untimeliness > delay or postponement > delay [verb (transitive)]
forslowc888
eldc897
forsita940
gele971
lengOE
drilla1300
delayc1300
onfrestc1300
tarryc1320
jornc1330
dretchc1380
defer1382
forbida1387
to put offa1387
to put (also set) (something) in (or on) delaya1393
dilate1399
fordrawa1400
to put overc1410
latch?c1422
adjournc1425
prolongc1425
proloynec1425
rejournc1425
to put in respite1428
sleuthc1430
respitea1450
prorogue1453
refer1466
sleep1470
supersede1482
respectc1487
postpone1496
overseta1500
respett1500
enjourna1513
relong1523
retract1524
tarde1524
track1524
to fode forth1525
tract1527
protract1528
further1529
to make stay of1530
surcease1530
prorogate1534
to fay upon longc1540
linger1543
retard?1543
slake1544
procrastine1548
reprieve1548
remit1550
suspense1556
leave1559
shiftc1562
suspend1566
procrastinate1569
dally1574
post1577
to hold off1580
drift1584
loiter1589
postpose1598
to take one's (own) timea1602
flag1602
slug1605
elong1610
belay1613
demur1613
tardya1616
to hang up1623
frist1637
disjourn1642
future1642
off1642
waive1653
superannuate1655
perendinate1656
stave1664
detard1675
remora1686
to put back1718
withhold1726
protract1737
to keep over1847
to hold over1853
laten1860
to lay over1885
hold1891
back-burner1975
1530 T. Cromwell in R. B. Merriman Life & Lett. T. Cromwell (1902) I. 329 Your chauncelour shall do the semblable in another request made by his Maiestie unto him without staye tract or further stycking.
1586 A. Day Eng. Secretorie i. sig. N3 If it shall notwithstanding seeme farther conuenient vnto your L. to make stay of his acceptaunce.
a1592 R. Greene Sc. Hist. Iames IV (1598) iv. sig. H2 I like no stay, go write and I will signe.
1601 B. Jonson Fountaine of Selfe-love v. iii. sig. K4 Bounty forbids to paull our thankes with stay . View more context for this quotation
1605 G. Chapman Al Fooles v. i. H 4 Hast, for the matter will abide no staye.
1611 Sir P. Barty in Buccleuch MSS (Hist. MSS Comm.) (1899) I. 103 To make stay of the money lately agreed to be paid.
1627 J. Ware in H. Ellis Orig. Lett. Eminent Literary Men (1843) (Camden) 135 I have now, after almost a yeare's stay, returned unto you (by this bearer) the MS. Life of St. Modwen.
1633 T. Stafford Pacata Hibernia i. viii. 56 Her cause of stay was, the danger of the way.
1650 S. Clarke Marrow Eccl. Hist. (1654) i. 50 Peace will come, albeit there be a little stay for a while.
1671 J. Milton Samson Agonistes 1536 A little stay will bring some notice hither. View more context for this quotation
1707 J. Mortimer Whole Art Husbandry 423 There is no Stock you can have Money in that will turn to better account, tho' you stay long for it; nor any thing that it can be better secured in, which I think will make amends for the Stay.
a. A cause of stoppage; an obstacle, hindrance.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > difficulty > hindrance > hindering completely or preventing > [noun] > that which
lockeOE
floodgatec1230
stopc1508
staya1533
snub1581
prevention1584
embarment1606
allay1607
spar1614
counterchecka1616
gag1618
preventivea1639
check1661
preventative1691
embargo1692
closed door1934
policeman1951
block-
a1533 Ld. Berners tr. A. de Guevara Golden Bk. M. Aurelius (1546) sig. T.vijv I shall not drede the staies of Fortune.
1548 N. Udall et al. tr. Erasmus Matthew in Paraphr. New Test. iii f. 7–10 That mennes pronitie to naughtynes, beynge compassed in with these stayes, myght be refreyned from fallyng into farther inconuenyence.
1551 R. Robinson tr. T. More Vtopia Epist. to P. Gyles sig. ✠vii Seynge all thyes cares, stayes, and lettes were taken awaye.
1563 B. Googe Eglogs Epytaphes & Sonettes sig. I.viii Whom yf your Grace do not repuls, and fynde some present staye, Undoubtedly he wyll wyn this Realme, and take vs all awaye.
1598 R. Bernard tr. Terence Andria iii. i, in Terence in Eng. 45 In mora illi est, Hee is a stay, hindrance, or let to him.
a1599 E. Spenser View State Ireland 92 in J. Ware Two Hist. Ireland (1633) The presence of the Governour is..a great stay and bridle unto those that are ill disposed.
1631 W. Gouge Gods Three Arrowes i. §20. 26 Good Iosiah was a stay of those judgements which God had threatned.
1633 G. Herbert Church Porch in Temple iii Not grudging, that thy lust hath bounds and staies.
1665 R. Howard & J. Dryden Indian-queen iv, in R. Howard Four New Plays 163 My Rage like damb'd up Streams swell'd by some stay Shall from this opposition get new force.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > will > wish or inclination > unwillingness > [noun] > instance of
dangerc1374
nillc1450
stay1550
1550 R. Crowley One & Thyrtye Epigrammes sig. Dvii We counte hym not wyse That seketh not by all meanes that he canne deuise To take offices togither wythoute any staye.
1566 Feckenham (title) The declaration of suche Scruples, and staies of Conscience, touchinge the Othe of the Supremacy.
1567 J. Jewel Def. Apol. Churche Eng. 72 If they be al Heretiques, and Schismatiques, and Despisers of Christe,..that make staie at it, or cannot receiue it, then [etc.].
6. † b. A place of sojourn; a fixed abode. Obsolete.† c. Continuance in a state, duration. Obsolete.
a. The action or fact of staying or remaining in a place, continued presence; an instance of this, a period of temporary residence or continuance in a place, a sojourn.
ΘΚΠ
society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabiting temporarily > [noun]
sojourningc1290
bigginga1325
sojourna1325
sojour1338
abodea1400
tarrying1445
tarryc1480
stay1538
reside1628
peregrination1630
sojournment1676
tabernaclinga1695
séjoura1753
the world > movement > absence of movement > [noun] > remaining as opposed to going
beleavingc1330
mansionc1400
remaining1496
stay1538
staying1546
stay-put1941
society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabiting temporarily > [noun] > time of
stay1538
residence1611
sojourning1611
residence time1868
the world > space > place > presence > [noun] > continued presence
bigginga1325
abidinga1387
bidingc1400
tarrying1445
arrestance1477
tarryc1480
remain1488
remaining1496
tarriance1530
stay1538
remainder1585
abidance1607
abide1615
1538 London in H. Ellis Orig. Lett. Eng. Hist. (1846) 3rd Ser. III. 215 We went to every place of them, and toke suche a vew and stay among them as the tyme wolde permytt.
1577–87 W. Harrison Descr. Eng. (1877) ii. v. i. 120 As a testimonie of his presence and staies from time to time as he did trauell.
1600 W. Shakespeare Merchant of Venice iii. ii. 323 Till I come againe, no bed shall ere be guiltie of my stay . View more context for this quotation
1601 J. Marston et al. Iacke Drums Entertainm. i. sig. Bv Daughter, lay your expresse commandement vpon the stay of maister Mamon.
1601 P. Holland tr. Pliny Hist. World II. xxxi. iii. 408 Low grounds where there is a settling or stay of raine water fallen from higher places.
1619 in W. Foster Eng. Factories India 1618–21 (1906) 143 Having..lymited the commander 15 dayes stay there.
1635 in F. P. Verney & M. M. Verney Mem. Verney Family 17th Cent. (1907) I. 86 I do not intend to make a long stay there.
1664 D. Fleming in Extracts State Papers (Friends' Hist. Soc.) (1911) 2nd Ser. 191 The Trainband horse..are to continue here dureing the Judges stay.
1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost iv. 898 Let him surer barr His Iron Gates, if he intends our stay In that dark durance. View more context for this quotation
1670 W. Clarke Nat. Hist. Nitre 34 Lots Wife was only by looking Back, so small a stay, overtaken by this Artillery of Heaven.
1755 Earl of Chatham Lett. to Nephew (1804) xiii. 72 I have delayed writing to you in expectation of hearing farther from you upon the subject of your stay at college.
1789 H. L. Piozzi Observ. Journey France I. 17 Her stay in London was longer than mine in Paris.
1797 H. Lee Canterbury Tales I. 370 St. Aubert..strenuously urged his stay.
1845 G. Budd On Dis. Liver 270 Because the bile, during its stay in the bladder, becomes concentrated.
1878 R. B. Smith Carthage 108 As though their stay was not going to be a short one.
1884 R. W. Church Bacon viii. 206 It was one of man's first duties to arrange for his stay on earth according to the real laws which he could find out if he only sought for them.
1897 Westm. Gaz. 1 Sept. 3/1 Every year has added to the stay of children at school.
ΘΚΠ
society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > dwelling place or abode > accommodation or lodging > [noun] > lodging-place
nestOE
inningOE
hostela1325
lodgingsc1380
lodging-place14..
entry1457
logis1477
hospital?a1513
stay1566
lodge1571
allodgement1598
lodgementa1701
gite1798
put-up1844
hang-out1852
shebang1867
stash1927
pad1935
1566 T. Drant in tr. Horace Medicinable Morall sig. Dv As nowe I am, I coulde not wyshe Almoste a better staye.
?1592 Trag. Solyman & Perseda sig. D3v Whether shall I go? If into any stay adioyning Rhodes, They will betray me.
c1595 Countess of Pembroke Psalme lxxx. 29 in Coll. Wks. (1998) II. 116 O god, retorne, and from thy starry stay Reuiew this Vyne.
1894 A. Laing Misc. Poems 108 (E.D.D.) If we sud hae nae ither stay Than hell beyond the tomb.
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > duration > [noun]
lengtha1240
date?1316
durationc1384
hautesse1399
quantity?a1425
periodc1475
tracta1513
allowance1526
continuance1530
wideness1535
continue1556
protense1590
countenance1592
stay1595
standing1600
dimension1605
longanimity1607
longinquity1607
insisture1609
existence1615
unprivationa1628
continuity1646
protension1654
measure1658
course1665
contention1666
propagation1741
protensity1886
1595 E. Spenser Colin Clouts come Home Againe sig. A4v Record to vs that louely lay againe: The staie whereof, shall nought these eares annoy.
1609 W. Shakespeare Sonnets xv. sig. B4 When I consider euery thing that growes Holds in perfection but a little moment:..Then the conceit of this inconstant stay, Sets you most rich in youth before my sight.
a1680 J. Glanvill Saducismus Triumphatus (1681) i. 135 For there can be no perception of the external Object, unless the Object that is to be perceived act with some stay upon that which perceiveth.
1700 J. Dryden Chaucer's Cock & Fox in Fables 248 Alas, what stay is there in human State.
d. Staying power; power of endurance; strength; power of resistance. Now somewhat rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > ability > [noun] > for achievement or endurance
stuff1557
stay1586
1586 T. Bowes tr. P. de la Primaudaye French Acad. I. 52 Prudence, Magnanimitie, and Iustice are ankers of greatest stay.
1590 E. Spenser Faerie Queene iv. xi. sig. L2 But Thame was stronger, and of better stay.
1890 Spurgeon in Voice (N.Y.) 21 Aug. 7/2 Some men are always great at beginnings; but they have no stay in them.
7. † b. A permanent state or condition. Chiefly in phrase in good (quiet, etc.) stay. Obsolete.† c. to set in or at stay: to reduce to order or quiet; to settle. Also to set a stay, to set stays: to settle matters. Obsolete.
a. A stationary condition, a standstill; a state of neither advance nor retrogression. Chiefly in phrases, at or in a or one stay, rarely at stay.Now somewhat archaic, chiefly in echoes of the Prayer-book phrase in quot. 1549.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > absence of movement > [noun] > state of cessation of movement
standinga1398
stay1525
stand1584
consistence1598
still-stand1600
station1603
standstilla1646
dead lock1781
1525 Ld. Berners tr. J. Froissart Cronycles II. cxxxvi. [cxxxii.] 379 Then the duke stode in a staye, and toke counsayle what was beste to do.
1542 in Tytler's Hist. Scot. (1864) III. 6 (note) This busyness..whiche, at this present, is at such a staye, that [etc.].
1546 T. Phaer Bk. Children (1553) T vij b The pulse is incertayn, and neuer at one stay.
1549 Bk. Common Prayer (STC 16267) Buriall f. xxiiii* Man that is borne of a woman..neuer continueth in one staye.
1553 J. Brende tr. Q. Curtius Rufus Hist. ii. f. 9v The king in ye meane season stode at a staye.
1556 J. Heywood Spider & Flie ix. 36 Here stoode they both, a while in silent stay.
1560 T. Gresham in J. W. Burgon Life & Times Sir T. Gresham (1839) I. 292 So that now the Quene's Majestie's credit ys at a whole steye.
1579 W. Fulke Heskins Parl. Repealed in D. Heskins Ouerthrowne 159 Then is he at a staye, he can go no further.
1595 W. Hunnis Life & Death Joseph 54 in Recreat. (new ed.) But Jacob yet amased was, and stood in doubtful stay.
1598 R. Bernard tr. Terence Phormio v. viii, in Terence in Eng. 450 I am brought to such a stay that I knowe not what to doe with him.
1600 R. Surflet tr. C. Estienne & J. Liébault Maison Rustique vii. xviii. 830 [Oaks have] one hundred [years] to growe, one hundred to stande at a staie, and one hundred to decline and fall away.
1611 Bible (King James) Lev. xiii. 5 And beholde, if the plague in his sight be at a stay, and the plague spread not in the skinne, then [etc.] . View more context for this quotation
1681 W. Robertson Phraseologia Generalis 1168/2 I am brought to that stay, that [etc.].
1758 R. Griffiths Descr. Thames 181 A River Pike grows fast till he arrives at twenty~four..Inches in length; then he stands a little more at stay.
1851 G. Meredith Love in Valley ii Swifter she seems in her stay than in her flight.
1875 H. E. Manning Internal Mission of Holy Ghost iv. 106 We are never in one stay.
1876 R. Bridges Growth of Love xxvi True only should the swift life stand at stay.
1880 J. A. Froude Bunyan ix. 151 In this world of change the point of view alters fast, and never continues in one stay.
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > change > absence of change, changelessness > lasting quality, permanence > [noun] > permanent state or condition
stay1536
fixedness1647
fixity1791
stability1855
stationarity1901
1536 in F. J. Furnivall Ballads from MSS I. 311 Then they to-gether xuld, or this tyme, a brought Inglond in-to a better stey then it is now.
1542 N. Vyllagon Lamentable & Piteous Treat. in Harleian Misc. (1808) I. 238 All thynges beynge in good ordre and staye.
1544 P. Betham tr. J. di Porcia Preceptes Warre i. civ. sig. F iij My counsayl is, to set all thynges in quyet staye, and brynge them [soldiers at variance] agayne to concorde.
?1553 Respublica (1952) iii. iii. 26 Ye knowe it is no smalle weorke from so greate decaie..to sett all in good staighe.
1566 Chambrelayne in J. Strype Ann. Reformation (1709) I. 489 Where he, with his Father and Mother,..had lately repaired unto him; and were in some good Stay.
1570 J. Foxe Actes & Monumentes (rev. ed.) II. 980/1 Moreouer..the worlde now was at an other stay, then when the beleuers were all of one harte and soule.
1570 G. Buchanan Chamæleon in Vernac. Writings (1892) 49 Be ye diligence and wisdom of ye regent the cuntre wes brocht to sum stay.
1575 W. Stevenson Gammer Gurtons Nedle i. i. sig. Aiiv Aske them what they ayle, or who brought them in this staye?
a1592 R. Greene Mamillia (1593) ii. sig. G Hath she not promised to chaunge..the state of a Curtizan into the staie of a matron.
a1610 J. Healey tr. Theophrastus Characters 90 in tr. Epictetus Manuall (1616) The State is at an euill stay, where more then one the Scepter sway.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > ceasing > cease from (an action or operation) [verb (transitive)] > cause to cease or put a stop to
astintc700
stathea1200
atstuntc1220
to put an end toa1300
to set end ofa1300
batec1300
stanch1338
stinta1350
to put awayc1350
arrestc1374
finisha1375
terminec1390
achievea1393
cease1393
removec1405
terminate?a1425
stop1426
surceasec1435
resta1450
discontinue1474
adetermine1483
blina1500
stay1525
abrogatea1529
suppressa1538
to set in or at stay1538
to make stay of1572
depart1579
check1581
intercept1581
to give a stop toa1586
dirempt1587
date1589
period1595
astayc1600
nip1600
to break off1607
snape1631
sist1635
to make (a) stop of1638
supersede1643
assopiatea1649
periodizea1657
unbusya1657
to put a stop to1679
to give the holla to1681
to run down1697
cessate1701
end1737
to choke off1818
stopper1821
punctuate1825
to put a stopper on1828
to take off ——1845
still1850
to put the lid on1873
on the fritz1900
to close down1903
to put the fritz on something1910
to put the bee on1918
switch1921
to blow the whistle on1934
the world > relative properties > order > put in (proper) order [verb (transitive)] > specific matters of any kind
engross1430
redd?a1513
convene1521
to set a stay1538
solute1560
set1605
to wind up1780
arrange1837
square1853
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > absence of doubt, confidence > assured fact, certainty > making certain, assurance > be convinced or satisfied [verb (intransitive)] > settle matters
to set a stay1538
to set stays1538
1538 in T. Wright Three Chapters Lett. Suppression Monasteries (1843) 193 But in all thes placys I have sett steys by indenturys making, and the common sealys sequestering, so that [etc.].
1542 N. Vyllagon Lamentable & Piteous Treat. in Harleian Misc. (1808) I. 232 Themperour beyng in Allmeigney, to thentent to appease and set a staye in the controuersyes and eyssencyons, which are amonge the Allmeignes in matters of religion.
1558 T. Phaer tr. Virgil Seuen First Bks. Eneidos i. sig. A.ijv But first is best the fluddes to set in staie [L. sed motos praestat componere fluctus].
1561 T. Norton & T. Sackville Gorboduc iii. i. 56 So shall you force Them to agree, and holde the lande in stay.
1569 R. Grafton Chron. II. 8 He would first set such a stay in his Duchy of Normandie, that [etc.].
1593 T. Churchyard Challenge 6 Such falshood raignde, and raged in the land... But by my friendes, I set these thinges in staye.
1615 Liber Deposit. infra Archidiacon. Colcestrensem (MS.) 74 Finding him very weake and sicke, he asked him [the said Testator] whether he had sett things at a staye.
Compounds
Combinations:† stay-liquor n. Salt-making Obsolete sea-water left by the tide, exposed in feeding-ponds for partial evaporation.† stay-rig n. Scottish Obsolete (see quot. 1591).
stay-law n. U.S. a legislative enactment establishing a general moratorium.
ΘΚΠ
society > law > types of laws > [noun] > legal or administrative
Ragmanc1400
Statute of Sewers1571
Poynings' Act1613
Poynings' Law1622
Statute of Limitations1641
Act (or Bill) of Indemnity1647
new tables1664
Habeas Corpus Act1705
Judicature Act1782
continuance act1863
stay-law1880
ripper1885
reception statute1931
thirty-year rule1966
sunshine law1968
1880 T. M. Cooley Treat. Constit. Law U.S.A. 311 The with~drawal of the remedy for a time by stay laws is an impairment of the obligation of contracts.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > liquid > water > [noun] > from the sea
seawaterc1000
salt waterc1440
salt or bitter sea1602
stay-liquor1682
seawaters1706
1682 J. Collins Salt & Fishery 19 This Liquor..is called Stay-Liquor.
stay-maker n. one who makes a long stay.Apparently an isolated use.
ΚΠ
1897 W. C. Hazlitt Four Generations Lit. Family II. 145 Meadows was a desperate staymaker.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > farming > tools and implements > ploughing equipment > [noun] > plough > cross-bar
staff?1523
stay-rig1591
pillow1733
shoot1733
1591 in A. Maxwell Hist. Old Dundee (1884) 242 At the tails of all their rigs to make ane stayrig upon the auld bounds of the said acres [footn. A cross ridge to stay the plough].
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1915; most recently modified version published online June 2022).
stayv.1
/steɪ/, U.S. /steɪ//steɪd/. Forms: Middle English steyyn, 1500s stee, stai, 1500s–1600s staye, staie, stey(e, 1600s steaye, Middle English– stay. past tense and participle Middle English–1700s stayd, 1500s Scottish stayit, stayet, steyit, 1500s–1600s stayde, staied, staide, 1500s–1800s staid, 1500s– stayed. I. intransitive.
* To cease moving, halt.† 1.
a. To cease going forward; to stop, halt; to arrest one's course and stand still. Obsolete (except as in 1b.)
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > absence of movement > render immobile [verb (transitive)] > stop the movement of
withdrawa1300
check1393
stayc1440
stopc1440
acheckc1450
dead1602
deaden1661
in1825
still1850
the world > movement > absence of movement > [verb (intransitive)] > cease to move or become motionless > come to a stand or stop
abideOE
atstandc1000
steveneta1225
atstuntc1230
to make, take, etc., stallc1275
stema1300
astandc1314
withstanda1325
stintc1374
arrestc1400
stotec1400
stayc1440
steadc1475
stop short1530
disadvance1610
come1611
consist1611
check1635
halt1656
to bring to1697
to draw up1767
to bring up1769
to pull up1781
to fetch up1838
to come to a standstill1852
c1440 Promptorium Parvulorum 473/1 Steyyn or steppyn of gate [v.r. stoppyn], restito, obsto.
1576 G. Gascoigne Complaynt of Phylomene in Steele Glas sig. K.iijv She came apace, and stately did she stay.
1578 H. Lyte tr. R. Dodoens Niewe Herball iii. xxxix. 372 Whosoeuer hath receiued of this seede [stavesacre], must walke without staying.
1597 W. Shakespeare Richard III i. ii. 33 Stay you that beare the corse and set it downe. View more context for this quotation
1601 P. Holland tr. Pliny Hist. World I. viii. xl. 219 The dogges which be neere unto Nilus, lap of the riuer, running still and never stay while they are drinking, because they will give no vantage at all to be a prey unto the greedie Crocodiles.
1611 Bible (King James) Josh. x. 13 And the Sunne stood still, and the Moone stayed, vntill the people had auenged themselues vpon their enemies. View more context for this quotation
1640 tr. G. S. du Verdier Love & Armes Greeke Princes i. xxii. 96 Their Bark staying at an Island,..they went on shore.
1777 W. Jones Caissa 135 With radiant feet he pierc'd the clouds nor stay'd Till in the woods he saw the beauteous maid.
b. To stop, halt, pause and (do somewhat), or in order to (do something). Now somewhat rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > ceasing > temporary cessation of activity or operation > temporarily cease activity or operation [verb (intransitive)] > in order to do something
stay1577
stop1865
1577 W. Harrison Hist. Descr. Islande Brit. iii. iv. f. 103/2, in R. Holinshed Chron. I His gromes & gentlemen passed by it, as disdaining to stoupe & take vp such a trifle: but he knowing ye owner commaunded one of them to staye & take it vp.
a1616 W. Shakespeare As you like It (1623) ii. i. 54 Anon a carelesse Heard..iumps along by him And neuer staies to greet him. View more context for this quotation
1753 T. Gray Long Story in Six Poems 17 The Heroines..Rap'd at the door, nor stay'd to ask, But bounce into the parlour enter'd.
1794 A. Radcliffe Myst. of Udolpho III. iii. 70 Emily scarcely staid to thank him for it.
1865 Visct. Milton & W. B. Cheadle N.-W. Passage by Land (1867) viii. 120 When we stayed to camp, [we] shivered and shook as we essayed to light a fire.
2. † b. To cease speaking, break off one's discourse; to pause, stop or hesitate before speaking. Said also of a discourse. Obsolete.
a. To cease or desist from some specified activity. Const. from. Obsolete or archaic.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > ceasing > cease activity [verb (intransitive)]
i-swikec893
swikec897
atwindc1000
linOE
studegieOE
stintc1175
letc1200
stuttea1225
leavec1225
astint1250
doc1300
finec1300
blina1325
cease1330
stable1377
resta1382
ho1390
to say or cry ho1390
resta1398
astartc1400
discontinuec1425
surcease1428
to let offc1450
resista1475
finish1490
to lay a straw?a1505
to give over1526
succease1551
to put (also pack) up one's pipes1556
end1557
to stay (one's own or another's) hand1560
stick1574
stay1576
to draw bridle1577
to draw rein1577
to set down one's rest1589
overgive1592
absist1614
subsista1639
beholdc1650
unbridle1653
to knock offa1657
acquiesce1659
to set (up) one's rest1663
sista1676
stop1689
to draw rein1725
subside1734
remit1765
to let up1787
to wind (up) one's pirna1835
to cry crack1888
to shut off1896
to pack in1906
to close down1921
to pack up1925
to sign off1929
1576 A. Fleming tr. Cicero in Panoplie Epist. 86 This is the purpose and meaning of them all, in generall: not to stay, till they haue procured the slaughter of Cæsar.
1590 E. Spenser Faerie Queene i. vii. sig. F8 He hearkned, and did stay from further harmes.
1611 Bible (King James) 2 Kings xiii. 18 And he smote thrise, and stayed . View more context for this quotation
1611 B. Jonson Catiline i. sig. B2v He that, building, stayes at one Floore, or the second, hath erected none. View more context for this quotation
1654 Z. Coke Art of Logick 77 In Etymologies we must not go on without End, but must stay in some that is first.
1864 A. B. Edwards Barbara's Hist. III. xiv. 221 I wept, and could not stay from weeping.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > speech > taciturnity or reticence > be silent/refrain from speaking [verb (intransitive)] > stop speaking
to make up one's mouthc1175
to shut (also close) one's mouthc1175
blina1300
dumba1300
leavea1375
to put a sock in ita1529
hush1548
silence1551
stay1551
stow1567
stop1579
to save one's breath (also wind)1605
tace1697
stubble it!1699
shut your trap!1796
to keep a calm (or quiet) sough1808
stubble your whids!1830
to shut up1840
to dry up1853
pawl1867
subside1872
to pipe down1876
to shut (one's) head, face1876
shurrup1893
to shut off1896
clam1916
dry1934
shtum1958
to oyster up1973
1551 T. Wilson Rule of Reason sig. Kij Aesope coulde not vtter his minde at large, but dyd stammer, and staye muche in his speche.
1555 R. Eden tr. Peter Martyr of Angleria Decades of Newe Worlde f. 252v And here steyinge a whyle, he began to speake ageyne and sayde.
1571 E. Grindal Iniunctions Prouince of Yorke §9. sig. B.iiijv Nor the Minister shall pawse or stay betweene the morning prayer, Letanie and Communion.
1600 Chester Pl. Proem 168 And after those ended, yet doth not the storie staye.
1665 R. Hooke Micrographia 25 I cannot here stay..to examine the particular Reasons of it.
1671 J. Milton Paradise Regain'd iv. 482 So talk'd he, while the Son of God went on And staid not, but in brief him answer'd thus. View more context for this quotation
c. In imperative used as an injunction to pause, arrest one's course, not to go on doing something. Hence often = give me time to consider, decide, etc.; wait for me to make some remark or give some order.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > ceasing > cease activity [verb (intransitive)] > leave off! or stop it!
to do waya1325
stay1601
go and eat coke1669
to leave off1785
whoa1838
drop it!1843
cut1859
turn it up1867
to come off ——1896
to chuck it1901
knock it off!1902
cut it out1903
nix1903
break it down1941
to shove it1941
leave it out!1969
1601 B. Jonson Every Man in his Humor v. i. sig. L4 Stay now let me see, oh signior Snow-liuer I had almost forgotten him. View more context for this quotation
a1616 W. Shakespeare Comedy of Errors (1623) v. i. 366 Stay, stand apart, I know not which is which. View more context for this quotation
a1616 W. Shakespeare Merry Wives of Windsor (1623) v. v. 79 But stay, I smell a man of middle earth. View more context for this quotation
1749 H. Fielding Tom Jones V. xiv. vii. 169 If you knew my Father, you would never think of obtaining his Consent—Stay, there is one Way. View more context for this quotation
1823 W. Scott Quentin Durward III. x. 260 And begone!—Yet stay.
1873 B. Harte Caldwell of Springfield in Fiddletown 81 Nothing more did I say? Stay one moment; you've heard [etc.].
3. † b. Of a line: To cease being prolonged, to terminate (at a point). Obsolete.
a. Of an action, activity, process, etc.: To be arrested, to stop or cease at a certain point, not to progress or go forward. Obsolete or archaic.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > ceasing > cease activity [verb (intransitive)] > specifically of things, actions, or processes > and not advance
standc1275
rest?a1534
stay1563
1563 in Vicary's Anat. Bodie of Man (1888) App. iii. 164 The same courte..shall stey & cease vntyll the xv.th. daye of September next commynge.
1576 W. Lambarde Perambulation of Kent 259 Neyther did the matter stay here.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Henry VI, Pt. 2 (1623) ii. iv. 77 And't please your Grace, here my Commission stayes.
1671 J. Milton Paradise Regain'd iv. 418 Nor yet staid the terror there. View more context for this quotation
1820 J. Keats Hyperion: a Fragm. i, in Lamia & Other Poems 162 Therefore the operations of the dawn Stay'd in their birth.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > extension in space > measurable spatial extent > longitudinal extent > extend longitudinally [verb (intransitive)] > cease being prolonged (of a line)
stay1563
butt1673
the world > space > extension in space > measurable spatial extent > longitudinal extent > [verb (transitive)] > form the end of a line
stay1563
1563 J. Shute First Groundes Archit. sig. Div The vprighte line, which staieth at the ouerthwart line.
1660 tr. H. Blum Bk. Five Collumnes Archit. (new ed.) D d 1 Turne another halfe Circle, which shall stay at the place.
** To remain stationary.† 10. Of a business or other matter: To be deferred or postponed for a season; to be kept waiting, be allowed to wait. Obsolete.† 11. † 15. to stay of —— v. To be delayed by, be kept waiting by, have to wait for (a person or thing). Obsolete. [Compare midland dialect ‘to wait of’ = to wait for.]
4.
a. To remain in a place or in others' company (as opposed to going on or going away).
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > absence of movement > [verb (intransitive)] > remain as opposed to go
bidec893
yleaveOE
leaveOE
wonc1000
abideOE
worthOE
beliveOE
atstutte-nc1220
stuttea1225
atstuntc1230
astinta1250
beleavea1325
lasta1325
stounda1325
stinta1340
joukc1374
restaya1382
to leave over1394
liec1400
byec1425
onbidec1430
keep1560
stay1575
delay1655
to wait on1773
stop1801
to sit on1815
to hang around1830
to stick around1878
to sit tight1897
remain1912
stay-down1948
the world > space > place > presence > be present [verb (intransitive)] > continue present
abideOE
remain1426
stay1575
1575 G. Gascoigne Glasse of Gouernem. v. ii. sig. Kiiii Fidus. Stay a while good fellowe... Nuntius. Yea but I may not long tary.
1600 J. Pory tr. J. Leo Africanus Geogr. Hist. Afr. ix. 334 In rainie weather it so increaseth, that trauellers..are constrained to staie two or three daies by the riuers side till it be decreased.
1615 T. Heywood Foure Prentises i. B 3 b If I knew where to go to warre, I would not stay in London one houre longer.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Two Gentlemen of Verona (1623) ii. vii. 62 If you thinke so, then stay at home, and go not. View more context for this quotation
1700 T. Brown Amusem. Serious & Comical iii. 19 Those that won't take the Pains to follow us, may stay where they are.
1702 D. Hume Diary Parl. Scotl. (Bannatyne Club) 82 As to the transporting the Forces, she [the Queen] signifies her inclinations it be done, unless there be an absolute necessity for their staying.
1726 J. Swift Gulliver I. i. i. 4 I grew weary of the Sea, and intended to stay at home with my Wife and Family.
1753 S. Richardson Hist. Sir Charles Grandison II. v. 83 He comes for half an hour, and stays an hour.
1757 T. Gray Ode II iii. ii, in Odes 18 Stay, oh stay! nor thus forlorn Leave me unblessed.
1832 H. Martineau Homes Abroad i. 18 His wife seemed utterly indifferent whether she went or staid.
1849 M. Arnold Forsaken Merman 20 Mother dear, we cannot stay!
1897 H. Caine Christian i. x. 46 If you're badly bored we'll not stay long.
b. contextually. To be allowed to remain; to be left in (undisturbed) residence or tenancy.
ΘΚΠ
society > inhabiting and dwelling > [verb (intransitive)] > be allowed to
stay1765
1765 I. Bickerstaff Maid of Mill ii. ii. 27 I am determined farmer Giles shall not stay a moment on my estate, after next quarter day.
c. To remain and (do something).
ΚΠ
1598 W. Shakespeare Henry IV, Pt. 1 v. iv. 46 Stay and breath a while. View more context for this quotation
1601 2nd Pt. Returne from Pernassus v. iv. 2237 Nay stay a while and helpe me to content.
1833 T. Hook Parson's Daughter I. ii. 34 ‘You will stay and take some tea, Mr. Sheringham,’ said Lovell.
1885 ‘Mrs. Alexander’ Valerie's Fate v ‘I need not go, I suppose?’ ‘No! I wish you would stay and talk.’
d. With infinitive: To remain or tarry in order to (do something). Also to stay to (dinner, etc.).
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > absence of movement > [verb (intransitive)] > remain as opposed to go > for a purpose
to sit out1579
stay1592
staya1616
a1616 W. Shakespeare Two Gentlemen of Verona (1623) iv. iv. 59 Away, I say: stayest thou to vexe me here. View more context for this quotation
1663 S. Patrick Parable of Pilgrim (1687) xxii. 229 If you mean to finish your journey, stay not to listen to their tales.
1707 E. Ward Wooden World Dissected 31 The Ale-Wives tickle him in the Gills with the Title of Captain, which makes him oft times stay to get Drunk in their Houses, out of pure Joy and Gratitude.
1812 Ld. Byron Childe Harold: Cantos I & II ii. lxxxv. 107 Thou hast ceas'd to be! Nor staid to welcome here thy wanderer home.
1819 W. Scott Ivanhoe II. xiii. 252 Some hilding fellow he must be, who dared not stay to assert his claim to the tourney prize which chance had assigned him.
1908 S. E. White Riverman viii Your friend seems a nice-appearing young man... Wouldn't he stay to dinner?
e. with adverbs, as to stay away, behind, down, in, on, out, up. Also to stay over (originally U.S.): to stop overnight.
ΘΚΠ
society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabiting temporarily > [verb (intransitive)] > overnight
liec1330
nighta1400
pausec1450
pernoctate1623
to stay over1884
overnight1891
sleep1975
1597 W. Shakespeare Richard III ii. ii. 124 Towards Ludlow then, for we will not stay behinde. View more context for this quotation
1622 J. Taylor Shilling B 5 Whilst all the Drawers must stay vp and waite Vpon these fellowes be it ne're so late.
1664 in F. P. Verney & M. M. Verney Mem. Verney Family 17th Cent. (1907) II. 236 My fathar stais so long a wae.
1711 J. Addison Spectator No. 120. ¶14 In Winter..she grows more assiduous in her Attendance, and stays away but half the Time.
1847 Ld. Tennyson Princess Prol. 9 We seven stay'd at Christmas up to read.
1875 B. Jowett in tr. Plato Dialogues (ed. 2) I. 341 They might come if they liked, and they might stay away if they liked.
1883 J. Brinsley-Richards Seven Years at Eton x. 98 Some~times Blazes had a lazy fit, and put himself on the sick list for a day. This was called ‘stay-out’, for the reason that one had to stay in.
1883 J. Brinsley-Richards Seven Years at Eton x. 98 One day it happened that I was ‘staying out’ on the same day as Blazes.
1884 J. Hay Bread-winners xi. 172 I am so glad you resolved to stay over.
1885 ‘Mrs. Alexander’ Valerie's Fate vi I must go with you. I feel as if I could not bear to stay behind!
1898 R. Kipling Day's Work 198 She had ‘stayed down three hot weathers’, as the saying is, because her brother..could not afford the expense of her keep at even a cheap hill-station.
1901 Athenæum 27 July 121/1 The habit of frequent ‘staying out,’ Etonian for staying in, on the score of feeble health.
1904 E. H. Coleridge Life & Corr. Ld. Coleridge I. iv. 58 Friends..who wrote to him during the vacations and when he was obliged to ‘stay down’, owing to prolonged ill-health.
1911 A. Plummer Churches in Brit. before A.D. 1000 I. iv. 122 Wilfrid made the grave mistake of staying on in Gaul.
1981 E. A. Taylor Cable Car Murder (1983) xviii. 130 We had a satisfying visit. I stayed over, and she took me to the train the next morning.
f. U.S. (See quot. 1889.)
ΚΠ
1889 J. S. Farmer Americanisms (at cited word) Lovers stay with one another when courting.
5. † c. To remain adhering to. Obsolete. rare.
a. Of a thing: To remain (in a place or position); to remain (as opposed to being lost, changing its nature, etc.). Now somewhat rare except in to stay with: to remain in the mind or memory.
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > change > absence of change, changelessness > lasting quality, permanence > be permanent [verb (intransitive)]
standOE
stick1447
remainc1455
subsist1589
stay1593
stick1611
the mind > mental capacity > memory > retention in the mind > remain in the mind [verb (intransitive)]
steekc1425
to ring in (or about) a person's ears1541
remaina1616
run1627
to stay with1942
1593 Tell-Trothes New-yeares Gift (1876) 5 A lesson learned with stroakes, staies with the scholler.
1639 G. Plattes Discov. Subterraneall Treasure 29 No royall Mettall will stay in the Cinder, but sinke down into the Lead, through an attractiue vertue betwixt them.
1663 S. Patrick Parable of Pilgrim xxviii. ⁋1 Having at last overcome the excess of it [sc. his joy], and dissembled it also while it staid as well as he could.
a1827 W. Wordsworth Somnambulist 62 Delightful blossoms for the May Of absence! but they will not stay, Born only to depart.
1942 A. Woollcott Let. 26 May (1946) 260 I want to tell you that seldom has anything I have heard stayed with me like your reading of that first poem in the Spoon River Anthology.
1973 Christian Sci. Monitor 12 July 19/4 On the way home that stayed with me, ‘The whole world needs mothering’.
b. Of food, etc.: To be retained by the stomach after swallowing. Also (U.S. colloquial) to give lasting satisfaction to hunger.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > food > qualities of food > [verb (intransitive)] > be retained
stay1643
the world > life > the body > digestive or excretive organs > digestive organs > digest [verb (intransitive)] > to be retained in stomach
stay1643
1643 J. Steer tr. Fabricius Exper. Chyrurg. ix. 43 By reason of the Childs unpatience I could not make the Medicine stay.
1719 D. Defoe Farther Adventures Robinson Crusoe 201 I took a Draught of Water without Sugar, and that stay'd with me.
1891 S. Fiske Holiday Stories (Boston ed.) i. 10 ‘No,’ replied the boy... ‘No; stew's good, but they don't stay wid yer. Kin I have somethink solid?’
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > wholeness > mutual relation of parts to whole > fact or action of being joined or joining > attachment > be or become attached or affixed [verb (intransitive)] > remain attached
sticka1350
steekc1390
holdc1400
hang1639
stay1684
to keep on1892
1684 R. Waller tr. Ess. Nat. Exper. Acad. del Cimento 45 We apply'd it to several pieces of Straw, which in the Descent of the Mercury stayed to the sides of the Glass.
6. † c. To remain without specific definition in a general class. Obsolete (nonce-use.)
a. With predicative complement: To remain in the specified condition.
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > change > absence of change, changelessness > lasting quality, permanence > be permanent [verb (intransitive)] > remain, continue > in specified state
ofstandeOE
atstandc1000
goOE
standOE
containc1380
perseverec1380
contunec1400
to hold inc1400
setc1400
remain?a1450
continue1503
stay1570
keepc1600
subsista1616
1570 T. Tusser Hundreth Good Pointes Husbandry (new ed.) f. 3v To stay amisse thou hauing this.
1600 J. Pory tr. J. Leo Africanus Geogr. Hist. Afr. i. 20 That this their meate may not stay long vndigested in their stomackes, they sup off the foresaid broth.
a1616 W. Shakespeare As you like It (1623) iii. ii. 321 Ile tel you..who Time gallops withal, and who he stands stil withall... Who staies it stil withal?
a1642 J. Suckling Poems 38 in Fragmenta Aurea (1646) Her finger was so small, the Ring Would not stay on which they did bring, It was too wide a Peck.
1855 T. T. Lynch Rivulet lvii. 83 No heart that desponds Desponding need stay.
1866 J. Ruskin Ethics of Dust iv. 70 I can bend them up and down, and they stay bent.
1871 B. Taylor tr. J. W. von Goethe Faust II. ii. iii. 150 She grows not old, stays ever young and warm.
b. to stay put: to remain where or as placed; to remain fixed or steady; also figurative (of persons, etc.). colloquial (originally U.S.).
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > absence of movement > [verb (intransitive)] > remain in one place
stickeOE
abideOE
dwell13..
occupy1413
to leave behind?a1425
remain1426
reside1488
consist1542
in1825
to stay put1843
the mind > will > decision > constancy or steadfastness > be constant or steadfast [verb (intransitive)]
standeOE
cleavec1275
to stand stiffa1290
stick1447
to stand or stick to one's tackling1529
to stand in this1538
to set down (the or one's) staff1584
to stand one's ground1600
to stand to one's pan pudding1647
to maintain one's ground1736
to nail one's colours (also flag) to the mast (also masthead)1808
to stay put1843
to stand firm1856
to sit tight1890
to keep the flag flying1914
to dig in one's toes1933
to hold the line1956
1843 New Mirror 23 Sept. 385/2 And now we have put her in black and white, where she will ‘stay put’.
1848 J. R. Bartlett Dict. Americanisms at Put To stay put, to remain in order; not to be disturbed. A vulgar expression.
1864 M. Cummins Haunted Hearts I. iv. 46 This curl sticks right out straight; couldn't you put this pin in for me, so that it would stay put?
1870 J. R. Lowell My Study Windows 248 He has a prodigious talent, to use our Yankee phrase, of staying put.
1891 ‘L. Malet’ Wages of Sin iv. v. 217 It takes a lot of latent strength to sit, either mentally or physically, really still. Not to fidget. To ‘stay put’, in short.
1924 J. Buchan Three Hostages vii. 102 He's able enough; but he won't stay put, and that makes him pretty well useless.
1936 F. Clune Roaming round Darling xv. 139 Here, for the time being, Sturt must ‘stay put’, while the Poet and I begin rolling down the Darling.
1959 Globe & Mail (Toronto) 17 Aug. 3/8 Fire Chief Dawson told him to stay put until the car could be pulled away safely.
1978 R. Busby Garvey's Code xii. 159 I keep the gun. And you stay put.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > absence of movement > [verb (intransitive)] > remain as opposed to go > for a purpose
to sit out1579
stay1592
staya1616
1592 W. West Symbolæogr.: 1st Pt. (1594) i. xii. sig. A 3 b Named Contracts, be those which haue a cause by law defined, and they are called by proper names. The same also be termed certain... Besides these all the reste are vncertaine, as steying in that their generall appellation or name.
7. With emphasis or contextual colouring:† c. Of a thing: To linger, be long in coming or beginning. Obsolete.
a. To tarry or linger where one is; to delay (as opposed to going on). Chiefly with negative. Cf. sense 4d.
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > a suitable time or opportunity > untimeliness > delay or postponement > delay [verb (intransitive)]
geleOE
studegieOE
abideOE
to do in or a (= on) fristc1175
dwellc1175
demurc1230
targec1250
dretcha1325
tarrya1375
sojourn1377
defer1382
letc1385
hinderc1386
blina1400
delay?a1400
honea1400
litea1400
overbidea1400
prolongc1425
supersede1433
hoverc1440
tarrowc1480
sunyie1488
stay?a1500
sleep1519
slack1530
protract1540
linger1548
procrastinate1548
slackc1560
slug1565
jauk1568
temporize1579
detract1584
longering1587
sit1591
prorogue1593
to time it out1613
to lie out1640
crastinate1656
taigle17..
to hang fire1782
to hold off1790
to hang it on1819
prevaricate1854
to lie over1856
to tread water1942
to drag one's feet1946
?a1500 London Lyckpeny ii. (Harl. 367) Yet for all that I stayd not longe, Tyll to the kynges bench I was come.
1585 T. Washington tr. N. de Nicolay Nauigations Turkie i. vi. 4 b [He] was again sent..to the King to aduertise him of our arriual, who stayed not, but straightwayes ther came with him diuers other Chiaous, captaines and Ianissaries to receiue the Ambassadour.
1611 Bible (King James) Josh. x. 19 And stay you not, but pursue after your enemies. View more context for this quotation
1611 Bible (King James) 1 Sam. xx. 38 And Ionathan cryed after the ladde, Make speed, haste, stay not. View more context for this quotation
1616 W. Browne Britannia's Pastorals II. v. 112 His eye deceiu'd mingles his colours wrong, There strikes too little, and here stayes too long.
1871 R. Ellis tr. Catullus Poems lxi. 196 Husband, stay not [L. Jam licet venias]: a bride within Coucheth ready.
b. To stand one's ground, stand firm (as opposed to fleeing or budging). Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > difficulty > opposition > oppose [verb (intransitive)] > resist > resist resolutely
i-standOE
atstand?c1225
to hold out rubbers1573
to stand out1574
to hold out1585
stay1593
to stand one's ground1600
to stick out1677
to stand brush1794
1593 H. Lok Sundry Christian Passions i. liii. 128 But yet (in hope of grace from thee) I staie, And do not yeeld, although my courage quaile.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Henry VI, Pt. 3 (1623) ii. iii. 50 And giue them leaue to flye, that will not stay . View more context for this quotation
1851 E. B. Browning Casa Guidi Windows i. xxvii. 74 Who, born the fair side of the Alps, will budge, When Dante stays, when Ariosto stays, When Petrarch stays, for ever?
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > a suitable time or opportunity > untimeliness > delay or postponement > delay [verb (intransitive)] > of a thing
stay1602
1602 J. Marston Antonios Reuenge iv. iii. sig. G4 Why staies the doome of death?
1639 S. Du Verger tr. J.-P. Camus Admirable Events 355 If the good theeves helpe had stay'd a little longer, it is likely that it had come too late.
8.
a. To reside or sojourn in a place for a longer or shorter period; to sojourn or put up with a person as his guest.
ΘΚΠ
society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabiting temporarily > [verb (intransitive)]
liec1000
harbourc1200
sojournc1290
layc1300
sojourc1330
to make, take (up) one's lodging1362
pilgrimagea1382
bield?a1400
lodgec1400
tarryc1400
to make (one's) residence1433
harbingec1475
harbry1513
stay1554
roost?1555
embower1591
quarter1591
leaguer1596
allodge1601
tenta1616
visit1626
billet1628
to lie abroad1650
tabernacle1653
sojourney1657
canton1697
stop1797
to shake down1858
to hole up1875
perendinate1886
shack1935
cotch1950
1554 in P. F. Tytler Eng. under Edward VI & Mary (1839) II. 410 (modernized text) From Villa Franca unto St. James,..where he stayeth about two days.
1617 Acct.-bk. W. Wray in Antiquary (1896) 32 214 He stayed at Rippon one night.
1666 H. Jackson in Extracts State Papers (Friends' Hist. Soc.) (1912) 3rd Ser. 248 I travailed Seaven miles that morneing, and then stayed at a friends house, intending in a short time, to have passed on my journey.
1674 in O. Airy Essex Papers (1890) I. 288 I will come over post and stay a month wth Essex.
1823 A. Clarke Mem. Wesley Family 514 While she staid with her uncle.
1831 Society 1 287 She had hoped a very lovely girl staying in the house, would be a counter-charm to the other.
1847 A. Helps Friends in Council I. i. viii. 121 It was arranged..that Ellesmere should come and stay a day or two with me.
1883 J. Ruskin Art of Eng. 24 Two English ladies..were staying at the same hotel.
1905 E. Glyn Vicissitudes Evangeline 162 I don't think Park Street is the place for you to stay.
b. To dwell, lodge, reside (permanently or regularly). Scottish, South African, India, and U.S.
ΘΚΠ
society > inhabiting and dwelling > [verb (intransitive)]
wonc725
erdec893
siteOE
liveeOE
to make one's woningc960
through-wonOE
bigc1175
walkc1225
inwonea1300
lenda1300
lenga1300
lingera1300
erthec1300
stallc1315
lasta1325
lodge1362
habit?a1366
breeda1375
inhabitc1374
indwella1382
to have one's mansionc1385
to take (up) one's inn (or inns)a1400
keepc1400
repairc1400
to have (also hold, keep, make) one's residencec1405
to hold (also keep, make, take, etc.) one's mansiona1425
winc1425
to make (one's) residence1433
resort1453
abidec1475
use1488
remaina1500
demur1523
to keep one's house1523
occupy1523
reside1523
enerdc1540
kennel1552
bower1596
to have (also hold, keep, make) residence1597
subsist1618
mansiona1638
tenant1650
fastena1657
hospitate1681
wont1692
stay1754
to hang out1811
home1832
habitate1866
1754 E. Burt Lett. N. Scotl. I. ii. 25 I was told that I must..enquire for such a Launde (or Building) where the Gentleman stayd, at the thrid Stair, that is, three Stories high.
1800 Monthly Mag. 1 322 [Scotticisms] He stays in the Canongate, means, He lives in that suburb.
a1915 Mod. (Sc.) Mr. A. moved last Whitsunday; I don't know where he stays now.
a1915 Mod. (Cape Colony: communicated.) Englishman. Who lived in that house last? Colonial. Oh, Mr. Brown stayed there.
1951 Amer. Speech 26 75/1 ‘Do you stay here?’ In common Negro parlance stay is used for ‘live’ but is heard otherwise.
1959 A. Fullerton Yellow Ford v. 45 ‘Would you care to stay round here, man?’ I had not caught on, at first, to her meaning: the verb ‘stay’ is used in South Africa when in England we'd say ‘live’.
1962 W. Faulkner Reivers i. 13 Mr Wimbush stays a solid eight miles from town.
1980 D. Moraes Mrs Gandhi p. xiii In March 1977..my wife..and I went to see her in New Delhi, at 1 Safdarjang Road, the house where she had stayed since she first became Prime Minister in 1966.
c. to come to stay: To become permanent or established, to come into regular use or recognition; to assume a secure position in public favour or as meeting a public need. colloquial. Similarly, to be here to stay.
ΘΚΠ
the world > existence and causation > causation > initiating or causing to begin > initiate [verb (intransitive)] > be or become established
morea1200
roota1382
to take roota1450
take1523
to take rooting1548
to be well warmed1565
seisin1568
to sit down1579
to come to stay1863
the world > action or operation > behaviour > customary or habitual mode of behaviour > act habitually [verb (intransitive)] > be usual or customary > become usual or customary
to come upOE
to come in?c1430
to be here to stay1936
1863 A. Lincoln Let. to Conkling 26 Aug. in E. McPherson Polit. Hist. U.S. Rebell. (1864) 336 I hope it [sc. peace] will come soon, and come to stay.
1894 Westm. Gaz. 9 May 2/1 Those dreadful [advertisement] boards—their dimensions are 18 ft. by 6 ft.—have, as the Yankees put it, ‘come to stay.’
1901 Athenæum 13 Apr. 455/1 The issue..of Byron's letters will leave very little doubt..that Lord Byron as a letter-writer has ‘come to stay’.
1936 M. Mitchell Gone with the Wind xli. 739 Everyone knew hard times were here to stay.
1947 Partisan Rev. 14 230 Industrial organization and the postindustrial state are here to stay.
1966 Listener 5 May 661/3 It's a small question, though, when viewed against the more important fact that Mahler is indubitably here, and here to stay.
1969 Listener 31 July 135/1 In all the present uncertainties about the future of radio, one thing seems certain: local radio is here to stay, and we shall have more of it.
1971 J. Wainwright Dig Grave 85 ‘I don't go for them [sc. automatic gears]. They'll kill real driving.’.. ‘They're here to stay, mate, whether you go for 'em, or not.’
1976 Guardian 17 Apr. 13/8 Multinationals are here to stay.
9. To remain inactive or quiet; to wait (without doing anything or making progress); to put off action (until). Cf. to stay for —— vb. at sense 14 ? Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > inaction > be inactive [verb (intransitive)] > remain inactive
stillc1330
liec1374
stayc1540
to keep one's bill under wing1548
connive1667
to lie by1709
repose1817
the world > time > a suitable time or opportunity > untimeliness > delay or postponement > delay [verb (intransitive)] > defer action until something happens
to wait one's (or the) time, hour, opportunity, etc.c1480
stayc1540
expect1548
attend1560
to stand about ——1564
waita1633
suspend1690
to stand over1771
c1540 Image Ipocrysy iii, in J. Skelton Poet. Wks. (1843) II. 433 Some be still and stey, And hope to haue a daye.
1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries f. ccxvi All the which thinges they haue euer to theyr powers resisted, and ofte desired the Archebishop, that he woulde staye vntyll the counsell.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Two Gentlemen of Verona (1623) i. ii. 131 Madam: dinner is ready: and your father staies . View more context for this quotation
1621 H. Elsynge Notes Deb. House of Lords (1870) 125 The booke of the Colleccions of the presidents not yett bounde. Whether you wyll use the booke as yt is, or staye untill to-morrowe?
1625 F. Bacon Ess. (new ed.) 125 Fortune is like the Market; Where many times, if you can stay a little, the Price will fall.
a1642 J. Suckling Lett. Divers Eminent Personages 91 in Fragmenta Aurea (1646) Nor must he stay to act till his people desire.
1703 W. Burkitt Expos. Notes New Test. Luke ii. 28 Tho' God stays long before he fulfils his Promises, he certainly comes at last, with a double Reward for our expectation.
1751 Ld. Chesterfield Let. 10 May (1932) (modernized text) IV. 1727 I told you in a former letter..that I should stay till I received the patterns pitched upon by your ladies.
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > a suitable time or opportunity > untimeliness > delay or postponement > delay [verb (intransitive)] > be delayed
hang1494
stick?a1518
supersede1569
to cool one's heels (also feet, hooves)1576
slow1601
stay1642
retard1646
to come by the lame post1658
to cool one's toes1665
1642 tr. J. Perkins Profitable Bk. v. §335. 148 Execution shall stay during the Terme of yeares.
1680 T. Otway Orphan i. 9 The time has been, When business might have stay'd, and I been hear'd.
1729 J. Swift Jrnl. Dublin Lady 3 The Foot-man in his usual phrase Comes up with Madam, Dinner stays.
a. To scruple, be in doubt, raise difficulties (at). Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > will > wish or inclination > unwillingness > be unwilling [verb (intransitive)]
nillOE
loathea1200
to make it tough1297
forthinka1300
reckc1300
ruea1400
to make (it) strangec1405
to make strangenessc1407
stick1418
resistc1425
to make (it) strange?1456
steek1478
tarrowc1480
doubt1483
sunyie1488
to make (it) nice1530
stay1533
shentc1540
to make courtesy (at)1542
to make it scrupulous1548
to think (it) much1548
to make dainty of (anything)1555
to lie aback1560
stand1563
steek1573
to hang back1581
erch1584
to make doubt1586
to hang the groin1587
to make scruple (also a, no, etc., scruple)1589
yearn1597
to hang the winga1601
to make squeamish1611
smay1632
bogglea1638
to hang off1641
waver1643
reluct1648
shy1650
reluctate1655
stickle1656
scruple1660
to make boggle1667
revere1689
begrudge1690
to have scruples1719
stopc1738
bitch1777
reprobate1779
crane1823
disincline1885
1533 T. More Apologye xxii. 135 b At some of them [prelates proposed to be replaced by laymen] they stayed and stakered.
1539 T. Cromwell in R. B. Merriman Life & Lett. T. Cromwell (1902) II. 174 It is not to be doubted, but whenne all the rest shulde be agreed, no man wold styck nor staye for any parte concerning her beautie and goodnes but rather haue more then contentement.
1551 R. Robinson tr. T. More Vtopia sig. Evi Whyles they all staye at the chyefeste dowte of all, what to doo, in the meane tyme with England.
b. To delay in (doing something). Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > a suitable time or opportunity > untimeliness > delay or postponement > delay [verb (intransitive)] > in doing something
stay1553
the world > time > a suitable time or opportunity > untimeliness > delay or postponement > delay [verb (intransitive)] > to do something
standc1400
retard1550
stay1553
1553 J. Brende tr. Q. Curtius Rufus Hist. ix. f. 192 Whye doest thou staye in riddyng me quickelye out of this payne..?
c. To hesitate, delay, be slow, scruple to (do something). Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > doubt, be uncertain [verb (intransitive)]
tweonc897
to be at or in weeningc1275
doubtc1325
dreadc1400
vary1477
swither1535
stay1583
to have or make scruple of1600
demur1612
demurea1616
hesitate1623
Nicodemize1624
scruple1639
scrupulize1642
query1647
to make doubt1709
to have scruples1719
to have weres1768
mislippen1816
dubitate1837
1583 G. Babington Very Fruitfull Expos. Commaundem. vii. 324 Their bould speaking is not euer sounde proouing, and therefore we stay to beleeue them.
a1626 W. Rowley Birth of Merlin (1662) sig. G3v Why do we stay to binde those Princely browes with this Imperial Honor?
1644 J. Milton Areopagitica 1 Which though I stay not to confesse ere any aske.
d. To refrain from. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > inaction > not doing > abstaining or refraining from action > abstain or refrain from (action) [verb (transitive)]
holdc897
forgoa1000
oversitOE
forbearc1200
letc1330
to let bec1385
to lay apart1526
refrain1528
to let pass1530
retainc1540
abstain1578
restrain1594
stay1599
nurture1627
withhold1650
waive1653
inhold1655
withstand1852
skip1961
1599 H. Porter Pleasant Hist. Two Angrie Women of Abington sig. D2v Would you stay from pleasure, When yee haue minde to it?
12.
a. Sport. To last, hold out, exhibit powers of endurance in a race or run. Also, to hold out for (a specified distance). [? Derived from sense 7b]
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > racing or race > race [verb (intransitive)] > in specific manner
to make (all) the running1824
stay1834
sprint1841
to come with a wet sail1876
to stay the course1885
to sit in1952
1834 R. Darvill Treat. Race Horse (1846) II. 44 If he finds that his horses can go faster and stay longer at the pace by being drawn fine.
1860 H. J. Rous in Baily's Mag. Mar. 18 There is another popular notion that our horses cannot now stay four miles.
1871 M. Collins Marquis & Merchant III. iv. 114 Such a galloper—and can't he stay!
1874 Hotten's Slang Dict. (rev. ed.) 309 Stay, to exhibit powers of endurance at walking, running, rowing, etc.
1889 The Pauline VIII. 39 The Indian Civil boat made a good race of it for half the course but could not stay.
1897 T. C. Allbutt et al. Syst. Med. II. 841 [Alcohol] may enable a man ‘to spurt’ but not ‘to stay’.
b. To keep up with (a competitor in a game, a race, etc.). colloquial (originally U.S.). Also figurative, to concentrate on, to apply oneself to, to continue with.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > sport > winning, losing, or scoring > win, lose, or score [verb (intransitive)] > be equal with
tie1680
stay1887
the mind > will > decision > perseverance or persistence > persevere or persist in [verb (transitive)]
to stand in ——a1382
maintainc1385
willc1400
to stand fortha1425
to stick to ——1525
to tug out1631
worry1727
to stick out1833
to stick at ——1845
slog1846
stay1956
to chase up1958
1887 F. Francis Saddle & Mocassin 145 Sam'll ‘stay with em as long as he's got a check.
1887 F. Francis Saddle & Mocassin 177 But they couldn't bluff the old man off; he stayed with them.
1894 Outing 24 342/2 I determined upon a course which would in the end enable me to score my elk, and that was simply to ‘stay with it.’
1956 H. Kurnitz Invasion of Privacy i. 12 I gave you an order. Stay with it.
1961 ‘A. A. Fair’ Stop at Red Light (1962) vii. 108 That adds up, Donald. Stay with it. You're doing fine.
1969 Guardian 15 July 7/1 These astronauts..have an amazing capability to stay with their tasks.
1976 ‘J. Ross’ I know what it's like to Die xxv. 158 I've got to stay with it [sc. a police inquiry]. I can't just drop it.
1982 Times 6 Feb. 15 (heading) Fed stays with its tight money policy.
13. Poker. ‘To come in when an ante has been raised’ ( Cent. Dict.); also to stay in. to stay out, to go out of the game.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > absence of movement > [verb (intransitive)] > remain as opposed to go > within a place
to keep inc1430
to stay in1882
society > leisure > entertainment > pastimes > game > card game > poker > [verb (intransitive)] > actions or tactics
brag1734
fill1865
to go blind1872
to go it blind1872
stay1882
re-raise1903
sandbag1940
slow-play1971
1882 Poker; How to play it 8 If a number of players have gone in, it is best generally for the ante-man to make good and go in, even with a poor hand, because half his stake is already up, and he can therefore stay in for half as much as the others have had to put up.
1882 Poker; How to play it 12 Everybody stayed out except one man.
1897 R. F. Foster Compl. Hoyle 183 (Poker) Suppose there has been no straddle, and that all conclude to stay, as it is called.
14. to stay for —— v.† b. To wait or tarry for (a person or thing) before doing or beginning to do something. Sometimes contextually, to be compelled to wait for. Obsolete.† c. contextually. (To be forced) to wait for (something one wishes or hopes to get). Obsolete.† d. said of a thing. Obsolete.
a. To remain or wait in a place for (a person or thing); to remain and take part in or witness (a meal, ceremony, etc.); to await the coming of.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > absence of movement > render immobile [verb (transitive)] > remain in (a place) > for a purpose
to stay for ——1554
stay1570
to sit out1579
to set out1714
to sit through ——1809
the mind > mental capacity > expectation > expectation, waiting > wait for, await [verb (transitive)] > while remaining still
wait14..
to stay for ——1554
to wait on ——1694
1554 in P. F. Tytler Eng. under Edward VI & Mary (1839) II. 410 (modernized text) And so to the Groyne..where he will stay only for a good wind.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Two Gentlemen of Verona (1623) iii. i. 360 Thy Master staies for thee at the North gate. View more context for this quotation
a1665 K. Digby Jrnl. Voy. to Mediterranean (1868) 9 But they steyed for us and made readie for fight.
1763 I. Bickerstaff Love in Village ii. ix Well, sir, will you read this letter,..it is just brought by a servant, who stays for an answer.
1796 M. Robinson Angelina I. 270 We shall stay for you in the wilderness.
1833 T. Hook Parson's Daughter II. ix. 185 ‘Come, Doctor,’ said Lady Frances, ‘stay for coffee.’
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > expectation > expectation, waiting > wait for, await [verb (transitive)]
bidec950
keepc1000
abideOE
i-kepe?c1225
lookc1225
bidea1300
sustainc1350
await1393
remainc1455
tarry?a1475
attenda1513
expect1536
to stay on1540
watch1578
remain1585
staya1586
to stay for ——1602
tend1604
to bide upona1616
behold1642
prestolate1653
expecta1664
wait1746
the world > time > a suitable time or opportunity > untimeliness > delay or postponement > delay [verb (transitive)] > defer departure or action until
wait14..
tarry?a1475
to stay for ——1602
to wait on ——1694
to wait of ——1712
1602 W. Shakespeare Merry Wives of Windsor i. i. 280 Come, come Maister Slender, dinner staies for you.
1625 F. Bacon Ess. (new ed.) 1 What is Truth; said jesting Pilate; And would not stay for an Answer.
1651 T. Hobbes Leviathan ii. xxvi. 150 The Civill Law takes away that Liberty, in all cases where the protection of the Law may be safely stayd for.
1705 C. Cibber Careless Husband ii. ii. 22 Dinner's serv'd, and the Ladies stay for us.
1705 H. Blackwell Eng. Fencing-master (new ed.) 16 If the Hand stays for the Foot, the Thrust is much slower.
1738 J. Swift Compl. Coll. Genteel Conversat. 126 You see, Sir John, we stay'd for you, as one Horse does for another.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > expectation > expectation, waiting > wait for, await [verb (transitive)] > under compulsion
to stay for ——1592
1592 T. Kyd Trueth Murthering of Brewen 2 [He] requested that he might haue his gifts againe, to whom disdainfully she made answere that he should stay for it.
1780 S. Johnson Let. 10 July (1992) III. 286 For all this I must stay, but life will not stay.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > expectation > hope > promise, ground of hope > foster hopes [verb (transitive)] > be in store for
attend1578
await1594
to stay for ——1602
attend1617
wait1745
1602 B. Jonson Poetaster ii. ii. sig. C4v There's a slight Banquet staies within for you. View more context for this quotation
1603 T. Dekker 1603: Wonderfull Yeare sig. F4 Another poore wretch..throwne..into a graue vpon a heape of carcases, that stayd for their complement.
1662 J. Dixon in Extracts State Papers (Friends' Hist. Soc.) (1911) 2nd Ser. 144 You are desired to seend your Collecttion yt was for London with speed for it steayes for youres and mosdals.
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > a suitable time or opportunity > untimeliness > delay or postponement > delay [verb (transitive)] > be delayed by
to stay of ——1681
1681 W. Robertson Phraseologia Generalis 1168/2 I stay of this; Hoc mihi moræ est.
1681 W. Robertson Phraseologia Generalis 1168/2 Fetch the Midwife that we may not stay of her; Obstetricem accerse, ne in mora nobis fiet.
1681 W. Robertson Phraseologia Generalis 1169/1 I will tell them they shall not stay of us; Illis dicam nullam esse in nobis moram.
16. to stay on v., to stay upon v.† a. To wait for (a person); to await, await the issue of (an event, circumstance); to attend on, be subject to (a person's will or pleasure, etc.). Obsolete.† b. To dwell upon (a topic, subject); to sustain or stress (a note in singing). Of the eye: To rest upon, be arrested by (an object of vision). Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > expectation > expectation, waiting > wait for, await [verb (transitive)]
bidec950
keepc1000
abideOE
i-kepe?c1225
lookc1225
bidea1300
sustainc1350
await1393
remainc1455
tarry?a1475
attenda1513
expect1536
to stay on1540
watch1578
remain1585
staya1586
to stay for ——1602
tend1604
to bide upona1616
behold1642
prestolate1653
expecta1664
wait1746
the mind > mental capacity > expectation > expectation, waiting > wait for, await [verb (transitive)] > an issue
to stay on1540
the mind > mental capacity > expectation > expectation, waiting > wait for, await [verb (transitive)] > another's leisure
to stay on1540
1540 J. Palsgrave in tr. G. Gnapheus Comedye of Acolastus Ep. to King sig. b iij Where as nowe the scholers..haue no maner remedy, but vtterly and holly to staye vpon theyr maysters mouth.
?1611 G. Chapman tr. Homer Iliads xiv. 308 We little need to stay On his assistance, if we would our owne strengths call to field.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Measure for Measure (1623) iv. i. 46 I haue a Seruant comes with me along That staies vpon me. View more context for this quotation
a1616 W. Shakespeare Comedy of Errors (1623) v. i. 20 You haue done wrong to this my honest friend, Who but for staying on our Controuersie, Had hoisted saile, and put to sea to day. View more context for this quotation
a1616 W. Shakespeare All's Well that ends Well (1623) iii. v. 45 I thanke you, and will stay vpon your leisure. View more context for this quotation
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > statement > insistence or persistence > insist or persist [verb (transitive)] > dwell upon
to dwell on, upon (in)a1522
to stay on1579
weigh1817
society > leisure > the arts > music > performing music > perform music [verb (intransitive)] > specific style or technique
descanta1450
to stay on1579
to run division1590
divide1609
shake1611
flourish1766
tweedle-dee1837
slide1864
Wagnerize1866
to break a chord1879
magadize1904
scoop1927
segue1958
rap1979
rhyme1979
scratch1982
1579 T. Lodge Protogenes 24 But other matter call me and I must not staye vpon this onely.
1605 F. Bacon Of Aduancem. Learning ii. sig. Bbb4 I haue staied the longer vpon this precept..because it is a maine part by it selfe. View more context for this quotation
a1616 W. Shakespeare Twelfth Night (1623) ii. iv. 23 My life vpon't, yong though thou art, thine eye Hath staid vpon some fauour that it loues. View more context for this quotation
1667 C. Simpson Compend. Pract. Musick 25 This Mark or Arch ..is also set..over certain particular Notes in the middle of Songs, when (for humour) we are to insist or stay a little upon the said Notes; and thereupon it is called a Stay, or Hold.
II. quasi-transitive and transitive uses derived from I.
17.
a. quasi-transitive. To remain for, to remain and participate in or assist at (a meal, ceremony, prayers, etc.); to remain throughout or during (a period of time). = to stay for —— vb. at sense 14.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > absence of movement > render immobile [verb (transitive)] > remain in (a place) > for a purpose
to stay for ——1554
stay1570
to sit out1579
to set out1714
to sit through ——1809
1570 in A. J. Kempe Losely MSS (1836) 234 At the tyme poynted he cam and stayd the service, from the beginning to th'end.
1599 J. Hayward 1st Pt. Henrie IIII 26 The rest of the lords departed, except the Earle of Darby, who stayed supper with the King.
1661 P. Henry Diaries & Lett. (1882) 85 I stay'd ye sermon.
a1684 J. Evelyn Diary anno 1661 (1955) III. 305 My Lord Mordaunt, with whom I staied that night.
1778 F. Burney Evelina I. xx. 131 We intended to stay the Farce.
1786 F. Burney Diary 27 July (1842) III. 37 At the dessert I was very agreeably surprised by the entrance of Sir Richard Jebb, who stayed coffee.
1808 J. Austen Let. 20 June (1995) 131 She staid the Sacrament I remember, the last time that you & I did.
1832 T. Moore Mem. (1854) VI. 244 Went to Bowood, and stayed prayers.
1862 T. Carlyle Hist. Friedrich II of Prussia III. xi. iii. 70 A certain Colonel..contrives to get invited to stay dinner.
1888 G. Gissing Life's Morning II. xi. 135 I'm obliged to ask them to stay tea.
b. to stay the course: to hold out to the end of a race. Frequently figurative.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > will > decision > perseverance or persistence > persevere or persist [verb (intransitive)]
continuec1340
perseverec1380
stick1447
to rub on1469
to stick unto ——1529
persist1531
to make it tougha1549
whilea1617
subsist1632
to rub along1668
let the world rub1677
dog1692
wade1714
to stem one's course1826
to stick in1853
to hang on1860
to worry along1871
to stay the course1885
slug1943
to slug it out1943
to bash on1950
to soldier on1954
to keep on trucking1972
society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > racing or race > race [verb (intransitive)] > in specific manner
to make (all) the running1824
stay1834
sprint1841
to come with a wet sail1876
to stay the course1885
to sit in1952
1885 Daily Tel. 11 Nov. 3/7 Doubts are also entertained..concerning her [sc. a horse's] ability to stay the course.
1916 Times 8 May 9/1 If we are to ‘stay the course’ set before us, other sections must be prepared for greater sacrifices.
1939 A. Huxley After Many a Summer i. viii. 103 ‘Do you suppose you'd still be a scholar and a gentleman?’.. ‘One will certainly have stopped being a gentleman,’ he answered. ‘One's begun to stop even now, thank heaven.’ ‘But the scholar will stay the course?’
1966 Listener 10 Mar. 365/3 There was much to be learnt from this programme—about metal fatigue, for instance—for those who could stay the course.
1983 Verbatim 9 iv. 16/2 When President Reagan exhorted Senators and Congressmen to stay the course, the actual meaning of his words was the opposite of his intended meaning.
18. quasi-transitive with out.
a. To remain to the end of; to remain and witness the end of. Also, to remain beyond the limit of, outstay.
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > duration > have duration [verb (transitive)] > outlast
to live out1535
outlast1570
outwear1579
outlive1582
supervive1586
outflourish1594
to stand out1600
outdure1611
outstanda1616
outsit1633
survive1633
endure1636
stay1639
outmeasure1646
superlast1648
outstaya1652
last1658
tarrya1662
superannuate1820
outrange1887
to see out1897
the world > time > duration > have duration [verb (transitive)] > outstay or overstay
outdwell1600
overstand1600
sit1602
to ride out1603
outstaya1616
overstay1641
outsit1661
tarry outa1662
stay1749
to sit out1752
to overstay one's welcome1858
stay1858
1639 T. Fuller Hist. Holy Warre iv. xxi. 206 By this time Lewis in Syria had stayed out the death and buriall of all his hopes to receive succour from his own countrey.
1768 Lady M. Coke Jrnl. 27 Feb. Went to the new Opera:..upon the whole dull—not that I staid it out.
1858 N. Hawthorne French & Ital. Note-bks. (1872) I. 2 It seemed as if we had stayed our English welcome out.
b. To remain longer than (another), outstay.
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > duration > have duration [verb (transitive)] > outstay or overstay
outdwell1600
overstand1600
sit1602
to ride out1603
outstaya1616
overstay1641
outsit1661
tarry outa1662
stay1749
to sit out1752
to overstay one's welcome1858
stay1858
1749 H. Fielding Tom Jones V. xiii. iv. 29 The Company had now staid so long, that Mrs. Fitzpatrick plainly perceived they all designed to stay out each other. View more context for this quotation
19.
a. transitive. To wait for, await (a person, his coming, an event, etc.); to wait upon, serve (a person's leisure); to abide, sustain (a question, onset). Now archaic (= to stay for —— vb. at sense 14 and 16).
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > expectation > expectation, waiting > wait for, await [verb (transitive)]
bidec950
keepc1000
abideOE
i-kepe?c1225
lookc1225
bidea1300
sustainc1350
await1393
remainc1455
tarry?a1475
attenda1513
expect1536
to stay on1540
watch1578
remain1585
staya1586
to stay for ——1602
tend1604
to bide upona1616
behold1642
prestolate1653
expecta1664
wait1746
the mind > mental capacity > expectation > expectation, waiting > wait for, await [verb (transitive)] > endure
staya1586
a1586 Sir P. Sidney Arcadia (1590) iii. xviii. sig. Ss4 Neuer staying either iudge, trumpet, or his owne launce, [he] drew out his sword.
1590 E. Spenser Faerie Queene ii. iv. sig. Q3 Ne thou for better hope, if thou his presence stay.
1594 W. Shakespeare Venus & Adonis (new ed.) sig. Fiijv They basely flie, and dare not stay the field.
1600 W. Shakespeare Midsummer Night's Dream ii. i. 235 I will not stay thy questions. Let me goe. View more context for this quotation
a1625 J. Fletcher Monsieur Thomas (1639) v. v. sig. L3 Get you afore, and stay me at the Chappell.
1637 J. Fletcher & P. Massinger Elder Brother ii. i. sig. D1v Like a blushing Rose that staies the pulling.
1638 F. Junius Painting of Ancients 22 Neither doe they stay our leisure to let us take a full view of them.
1705 tr. W. Bosman New Descr. Coast of Guinea xxii. 472 I was..desired to stay the Arrival of their King.
1811 in Spirit of Public Jrnls. (1813) XVI. 7 They would not stay our arrival; for, the moment they saw us, they made off.
1864 Realm 8 June 1 The overhurry of the messenger (who had stayed no question) induced suspicion.
1888 R. L. Stevenson Black Arrow Prol. 6 There is a fight toward,..and my lord stays a reinforcement.
b. = to stay to make or offer. poetic.
ΚΠ
1598 W. Shakespeare Love's Labour's Lost ii. i. 193 I cannot stay thankes-giuing. View more context for this quotation
1598 W. Shakespeare Love's Labour's Lost iv. ii. 141 Stay not thy complement, I forgiue thy dewtie, adue. View more context for this quotation
III. transitive. To stop, arrest, check.† 27. To defend, guard (a place) against entry or incursion. Const. from. Obsolete.
20. † c. reflexive. To abide (in a place); to take up a settled residence. Similarly in passive. Obsolete.
a. To detain, hold back, stop (a person or thing); to check or arrest the progress of, bring to a halt; to hinder from going on or going away; to keep in a fixed place or position. Now only literary.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > absence of movement > render immobile [verb (transitive)] > stop the movement of > cause to be arrested or intercepted in progress
warna1250
foreclosec1290
dit1362
stayc1440
stopc1440
set1525
suppress1547
bar1578
frontier1589
stay1591
intercepta1599
to cut off1600
interpose1615
lodgea1616
obstruct1621
stifle1629
sufflaminate1656
stick1824
to hold up1887
society > authority > subjection > restraint or restraining > restrain [verb (transitive)] > from going on or away
stayc1440
retainc1515
to keep ungone1572
keepa1627
bail1879
c1440 [see sense 1a].
1532 T. Cromwell in R. B. Merriman Life & Lett. T. Cromwell (1902) I. 351 Ye lytell Regarding the kynges auctoryte and Commyssyon have stayed dyuers masons and woorkmen abowte you.
1560 Bible (Geneva) Job xxxviii. 11 And here shal it staye thy proud waues.
1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries f. cxxxvj Than the tounes men..stayed the reste that would lykewise haue inuaded.
1562 T. Gresham in J. W. Burgon Life & Times Sir T. Gresham (1839) II. 9 To wryte me your pleasure whether I shall send you Doctor Mount's letters in post, or to stey them bye me till the ordinary post goeth.
1576 A. Fleming tr. Seneca in Panoplie Epist. 310 A running streame is stayed by weedes and shallownesse.
1627 W. Duncomb tr. V. d'Audiguier Tragi-comicall Hist. our Times ii. 31 While the rain stayes you here.
1630 R. Norton tr. W. Camden Hist. Princesse Elizabeth i. 31 An infinite masse of money being stayed at home, which was wont to be exported daily to Rome.
1654 J. Bramhall Just Vindic. Church of Eng. ii. 25 They..are like men running down a steep hill that cannot stay themselves.
a1684 J. Evelyn Diary anno 1671 (1955) III. 597 This buisinesse staied me in Lond, almost a weeke.
1686 tr. J. Chardin Trav. Persia 255 He stay'd me to dine with him.
1768 L. Sterne Sentimental Journey II. 3 As I had nothing more to stay me in the shop, we both walk'd out.
1782 W. Cowper John Gilpin 37 So three doors off the chaise was stay'd.
1810 W. Scott Lady of Lake iii. 115 The plough was in mid-furrow staid.
1830 Ld. Tennyson Poems 96 Thou shalt not wander hence to-night, I'll stay thee with my kisses.
1873 A. Helps Some Talk about Animals & their Masters vi. 152 Among the reeds, where, at the moment, we had stayed the boat.
1902 Munsey's Mag. 26 596/1 Attacking and withdrawing again before any force could be mobilized to stay him.
b. const. from.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > absence of movement > render immobile [verb (transitive)] > stop the movement of > cause to be arrested or intercepted in progress
warna1250
foreclosec1290
dit1362
stayc1440
stopc1440
set1525
suppress1547
bar1578
frontier1589
stay1591
intercepta1599
to cut off1600
interpose1615
lodgea1616
obstruct1621
stifle1629
sufflaminate1656
stick1824
to hold up1887
1591 H. Smith Restit. Nabuchadnezzer sig. B2 Therefore when he knewe this, nothing could stay him from his kingdom, no more then they could stay him in his kingdome before.
1605 F. Bacon Of Aduancem. Learning ii. sig. Hh1v They are indeed but Remoraes and hinderances to stay and slugge the Shippe from furder sayling. View more context for this quotation
1618 W. Lawson New Orchard & Garden (1623) ii. 4 Make Trenches by degrees,..so as the Water may be staied from passage.
1703 J. Evelyn Diary (1955) V. 550 The wet & uncomfortable weather staying us from Church this Morning.
1850 Ld. Tennyson In Memoriam lxxxi. 113 O sweet new-year delaying long..What stays thee from the clouded noons.
ΘΚΠ
society > inhabiting and dwelling > [verb (passive)]
stay1558
settlea1648
seata1684
to set down1741
society > inhabiting and dwelling > [verb (reflexive)]
lenda1300
nesta1400
lodgec1400
inhabit1413
repair1509
settle1551
stay1558
plant1560
seat1603
the world > movement > absence of movement > render immobile [verb (transitive)] > remain in (a place) > to make or offer
stay1558
1558 T. Phaer tr. Virgil Æneid (1562) viii. sig. Bb.iiij Than at Etruria sore affright did settling stay them selues, & in ye field their camp haue pight.
1563 2nd Tome Homelyes Place & Time of Prayer i. 139 b They were not stayed in any place, but were in a continuall peregrination and wandering.
1579 T. North tr. Plutarch Liues 20 Some thincke that the Pelasgians..in the end dyd staye them selues in that place where it [Rome] was newe buylded.
1590 E. Spenser Faerie Queene iii. i. sig. Cc6v For nothing would she lenger there be stayd, Where so loose life..Was vsd of knighcs [sic] and Ladies seeming gent.
d. poetic. To take prisoner; to hold in confinement or captivity.
ΘΚΠ
society > authority > subjection > restraint or restraining > restraint depriving of liberty > deprive of liberty by restraint [verb (transitive)] > take captive
takeOE
caitive1382
seizea1400
captivec1430
to take (a person) prisonera1475
to take captive1535
overthrallc1540
captivatea1575
stay1590
encaptive1592
capture1796
to hold captive1884
1590 E. Spenser Faerie Queene i. x. sig. K2v And captiues to redeeme with price of bras, From Turkes and Sarazins, which them had stayd.
1872 Ld. Tennyson Gareth & Lynette 39 Three knights Defend the passings,..and a fourth.., holds her stay'd In her own castle.
21. † b. To cause to rest or remain on something; to rest or fix (the eyes) on an object. Obsolete.
a. To render motionless or keep immovable; to fix, hold fast.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > wholeness > mutual relation of parts to whole > fastening > condition of being fast bound or firmly fixed > make fast [verb (transitive)] > fasten or fix
steek?c1335
stick1372
ficchec1374
plant1381
inficche1382
fix14..
graft1531
graff1536
stick1586
rivet1600
stay1627
rig1835
splice1847
fixate1885
1627 T. May tr. Lucan Pharsalia (1631) ii C8, Each Galley doe foure anchors stay.
1669 S. Sturmy Mariners Mag. i. ii. 8 Bring the Index of the Moon to the West-by-North Point, staying it there.
1811 W. Wordsworth Misc. Sonn. i. ix, 1 Praised be the Art whose subtle power could stay Yon cloud, and fix it in that glorious shape.
1855 Ld. Tennyson Daisy in Maud & Other Poems 138 Till, in a narrow street and dim, I stay'd the wheels at Cogoletto.
1868 Ld. Tennyson Lucretius 257 My golden work in which I told a truth That stays the rolling Ixionian wheel.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > absence of movement > render immobile [verb (transitive)] > remain in (a place) > cause to remain in one place
staya1586
affix1654
a1586 Sir P. Sidney tr. Psalmes David (1823) xxx. xi Lord, heare, lett mercy thine be staid On me.
1633 G. Herbert Elixer in Temple iii A man that looks on glasse, On it may stay his eye; Or if he pleaseth, through it passe, And then the heav'n espie.
1664 J. Playford Brief Introd. Skill Musick (ed. 4) i. 89 Your second and third Fingers staid upon the Hair, by which you may poize and keep up your Bow.
22. † c. To stop the course of, terminate (a line).
a. To detain or delay (a reader).
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > the arts > literature > art or occupation of writer or author > be the author of or write (a work) [verb (transitive)] > detain (a reader)
stay1578
detain1891
1578 T. Tymme tr. J. Calvin Comm. Genesis 261 To the end the disordered division of the Chapters may not trouble or stay the readers.
1653 H. More Second Lash of Alazonomastix 93 Not to stay you with too tedious a Prologue to the matter in hand.
1690 J. Locke Ess. Humane Understanding iii. v. 207 I was willing to stay my Reader on an Argument, that appears to me new.
b. To arrest (the attention).
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > attention > attracting attention > engage the attention [verb (transitive)]
exercisea1538
entertainc1540
replenish1548
rouse1583
catcha1586
amuse1586
detainc1595
attract1599
grope1602
concerna1616
take1634
stay1639
engage1642
meet1645
nudge1675
strike1697
hitcha1764
seize1772
interest1780
acuminate1806
arrest1835
grip1891
intrigue1894
grab1966
work1969
1639 S. Du Verger tr. J.-P. Camus Admirable Events 193 His consideration was no lesse stayed by her vertue, then his sences charmed by her beauty.
ΚΠ
1563 J. Shute First Groundes Archit. sig. Ciii The vpright line..which stayeth that lyne which is drawen ouerthwart the pillor.
23. † b. reflexive. To check oneself; to desist from something one is doing or intending to do; to cease speaking, writing, etc. Obsolete.† d. To cause (a bell) to cease ringing. Obsolete.
a. To prevent, hinder, stop (a person or thing) from doing something; to check, restrain. Const. from, †of a course of action, etc.); †to (with infinitive); †but that. Now rare or poetic.
ΘΚΠ
society > authority > subjection > restraint or restraining > restrain [verb (transitive)] > specifically from doing something
conclude1382
restrain1384
refraina1398
keepa1400
to coart of1430
revokec1450
stop1488
contain1523
retract1548
stay1560
retire1567
straiten1622
confine1651
obligec1661
the world > action or operation > difficulty > hindrance > hindering completely or preventing > hinder completely or prevent [verb (transitive)] > from an action, purpose, etc.
warnc888
withseta1330
defendc1330
conclude1382
privea1387
retainc1415
refrain1442
prohibit1483
repel1483
stop1488
sever?1507
discourage1528
seclude?1531
prevent1533
foreclose1536
lock1560
stay1560
disallow1568
intercept1576
to put bya1586
crossa1616
stave1616
prevent1620
secure1623
stave1630
riot1777
tent1781
footer1813
to stop off1891
mozz1941
1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries f. cxxiijv Kynge Ferdinando..commaunded the lawe to cease..but that woulde not staye them.
1562 T. Cooper Answere Def. Truth f. 85v, in Apol. Priuate Masse If that would haue stayed you from wrytinge.
1566 Acts Gen. Assemb. Kirk Scot. (Maitland Club) i. 86 Diverse of our deirest brethren..by you are stayed to promote the kingdome of Chryst.
1574 A. L. tr. Calvin Foure Serm. Song Ezechias i Nothing staied him but that he set up the true and pure religion.
1574 in A. Macdonald & J. Dennistoun Misc. Maitland Club (1833) I. 104 Sene the tyme that thai war steyit of thair said pretendit mariage.
1585 J. Higgins tr. Junius Nomenclator 191/2 Repagulum,..the barre which staieth horses from running.
1611 Bible (King James) Hag. i. 10 Therefore the heauen ouer you is stayed from dew, and the earth is staied from her fruite. View more context for this quotation
a1628 J. Preston New Covenant (1630) 87 When he stayed himselfe, and did it not, how did the Lord bring it to passe with out him?
1630 E. Pagitt Christianogr. (1636) i. ii. 73 This made St. Augustine..to write his bookes..to stay his countriemen from Idolatrie.
1846 H. G. Robinson Odes of Horace ii. viii Lest your bewitching air should stay Their husbands from their duty.
1852 M. Arnold Empedocles on Etna, & Other Poems i. ii. 125 Rivers are dried, winds stay'd.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > ceasing > cease activity [verb (reflexive)]
stay1560
spend1594
muzzle1660
to run out1845
to pull up1861
1560 Bible (Geneva) Hag. i. 10 Therefore the heauen ouer you staied it self from dewe.
1561 R. Clough in J. W. Burgon Life & Times Sir T. Gresham (1889) I. 410 Herein I am somwatt tedyus: desyryng you to pardone me, for beyng ownse enteryd into the matter, I collde nott stee mysellfe.
1598 R. Bernard tr. Terence Adelphi iv. iv, in Terence in Eng. 308 Neuerthelesse I staied my selfe, least I should vtter any thing of my brother to that babler.
c. with object a limb or activity of the body, a weapon, etc.; esp. to stay (one's own or another's) hand (chiefly figurative, to cease or cause to cease from attack or working). Now somewhat archaic.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > ceasing > cease activity [verb (intransitive)]
i-swikec893
swikec897
atwindc1000
linOE
studegieOE
stintc1175
letc1200
stuttea1225
leavec1225
astint1250
doc1300
finec1300
blina1325
cease1330
stable1377
resta1382
ho1390
to say or cry ho1390
resta1398
astartc1400
discontinuec1425
surcease1428
to let offc1450
resista1475
finish1490
to lay a straw?a1505
to give over1526
succease1551
to put (also pack) up one's pipes1556
end1557
to stay (one's own or another's) hand1560
stick1574
stay1576
to draw bridle1577
to draw rein1577
to set down one's rest1589
overgive1592
absist1614
subsista1639
beholdc1650
unbridle1653
to knock offa1657
acquiesce1659
to set (up) one's rest1663
sista1676
stop1689
to draw rein1725
subside1734
remit1765
to let up1787
to wind (up) one's pirna1835
to cry crack1888
to shut off1896
to pack in1906
to close down1921
to pack up1925
to sign off1929
1560 Bible (Geneva) Dan. iv. 35 And none can stay his hand, nor say vnto him, What doest thou?
1579 S. Gosson Apol. Schoole of Abuse in Ephemerides Phialo f. 92 But I stay my hande till I see his booke.
1581 A. Hall tr. Homer 10 Bks. Iliades iv. 65 The golden buckle of my belt..hath surely stayde the blow.
a1600 Floddan Field (1664) iii. 25 Himself set forth in seemly aray, And neither stint nor staid his foot.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Henry VI, Pt. 1 (1623) i. iii. 83 Stay, stay thy hands, thou art an Amazon. View more context for this quotation
1800 W. Wordsworth Pet-lamb in Lyrical Ballads (ed. 2) II. 140 But ere ten yards were gone her footsteps did she stay.
1877 J. Tyndall in Daily News 2 Oct. 2/5 That power did not work with delusions, nor will it stay its hand when such are removed.
1880 R. G. White Every-day Eng. xx. 303 My tongue is tied and my hand is stayed.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > the arts > music > performing music > playing instruments > bell-ringing > [verb (transitive)] > cause bells to cease
staya1593
cease1684
a1593 C. Marlowe Massacre at Paris (c1600) sig. B4 And now stay that bel that to ye deuils mattins rings.
1655 F. Raworth Jacobs Ladder 35 But Satan, stay the bels.
24. † a. Law. To hold back, refuse to release or cancel (a bond). Obsolete.† b. To keep back or withhold (a person) temporarily from (something due). Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
society > law > legal obligation > bond or recognizance > bind by recognizance [verb (transitive)] > refuse to release or cancel bond
stay1578
1578 G. Whetstone Promos & Cassandra: 2nd Pt. ii. v. sig. Ijv Nay mary, the same I would gladly pay, But my bonde for the forfeyt he doth stay.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > retaining > retain or keep [verb (transitive)] > keep what is due to or desired by another > keep (a person) from possession of something
withstanda1400
stay1643
1643 R. Baker Chron. Kings of Eng. ii. 153 His Brother Henry Duke of Yorke, was stayed from the title of Prince of Wales, the space of halfe a yeer, till to women it might appeare, whether the Lady Katherine, the Relict of Prince Arthur were with childe, or no.
25.
a. To stop, arrest, delay, prevent (an action or process, something which is begun or intended). Frequently in legal parlance.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > ceasing > cease from (an action or operation) [verb (transitive)] > cause to cease or put a stop to
astintc700
stathea1200
atstuntc1220
to put an end toa1300
to set end ofa1300
batec1300
stanch1338
stinta1350
to put awayc1350
arrestc1374
finisha1375
terminec1390
achievea1393
cease1393
removec1405
terminate?a1425
stop1426
surceasec1435
resta1450
discontinue1474
adetermine1483
blina1500
stay1525
abrogatea1529
suppressa1538
to set in or at stay1538
to make stay of1572
depart1579
check1581
intercept1581
to give a stop toa1586
dirempt1587
date1589
period1595
astayc1600
nip1600
to break off1607
snape1631
sist1635
to make (a) stop of1638
supersede1643
assopiatea1649
periodizea1657
unbusya1657
to put a stop to1679
to give the holla to1681
to run down1697
cessate1701
end1737
to choke off1818
stopper1821
punctuate1825
to put a stopper on1828
to take off ——1845
still1850
to put the lid on1873
on the fritz1900
to close down1903
to put the fritz on something1910
to put the bee on1918
switch1921
to blow the whistle on1934
society > law > administration of justice > court proceedings or procedure > [verb (transitive)] > stay or suspend proceedings
abatec1325
to put in suspense1421
stint1491
stay1525
bar1552
sist1635
stop1690
the world > action or operation > difficulty > hindrance > hindering completely or preventing > hinder completely or prevent [verb (transitive)] > check (in) a course of action
stanchc1315
arrestc1374
checka1400
stem?c1450
stay1525
to take up1530
rebate1532
suspend1565
nip1575
countercheck1590
to nip in the bud1590
to clip the wings ofa1593
to nip in (also by, on) the head (also neck, pate)1594
trasha1616
to scotch the wheels of1648
spike1687
spoke1854
to pull up1861
1525 in State Papers Henry VIII (1849) VI. 513 On the morow..Your Highnes letters..arryvyd here, whiche stayde our goyng to thEmperour, unto we had perused them over.
1542–3 Act 34 & 35 Hen. VIII c. 27 §114 Item that no execucion of any iudgement geuen..be staied or deferred.
1578 J. Lyly Euphues f. 43 Neyther lette rayne nor thunder,..stay thy iourney.
1600 W. Shakespeare Henry IV, Pt. 2 iv. ii. 69 Retraite is made, and execution stayd . View more context for this quotation
1665 R. Howard & J. Dryden Indian-queen iii, in R. Howard Four New Plays 160 If you wou'd have this Sentence staid.
1690 J. Dryden Amphitryon iv. 43 You had best stay dinner till he has prov'd himself to be Amphitryon in form of Law.
1768 W. Blackstone Comm. Laws Eng. III. xiv. 227 The courts of equity..will grant an injunction or order to stay waste, until the defendant shall have put in his answer.
1796 E. Burke Two Lett. Peace Regicide Directory France i. 114 When a neighbour sees a new erection, in the nature of a nuisance, set up at his door,..the judge..has a right to order the work to be staid.
1855 W. H. Prescott Hist. Reign Philip II of Spain I. i. ix. 346 He marched against the Turks and stayed the tide of Ottoman inroad in Hungary.
1856 in Hurlstone & Norman's Exch. Rep. (1857) I. 494 I do order..that until such indemnity be given all further proceedings be stayed.
1861 T. P. Thompson Audi Alteram Partem III. clxiii. 179 To stay printing, there~fore, is the object of all who object to the knowledge it is to dispense.
1913 D. Bray Life-hist. Brahui iv. 53 A death in the household..will stay a wedding forty days.
b. To arrest the course or growth of (a disease, something noxious or destructive).
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > difficulty > hindrance > hindering completely or preventing > hinder completely or prevent [verb (transitive)] > check (in) a course of action > specific something noxious or destructive
stay1563
retund1643
1563 T. Gale Certaine Wks. Chirurg. iv. i. i. f. 1 We staye by them [sc. medicines] the fluxe of humours in their beginning.
1598 T. Bastard Chrestoleros vii. xx. 169 So in fayre faces moulds somtimes arise, Which serue to stay the surfeyte of our eyes.
1611 Bible (King James) 2 Sam. xxiv. 21 That the plague may be stayed from the people. View more context for this quotation
1653 T. Brugis Vade Mecum (ed. 2) 61 It stayeth the cough.
1873 J. A. Symonds Stud. Greek Poets vii. 195 When the righteous man appears, who performs an act of retributive justice, then the curse is stayed.
1913 Standard 14 July 12/1 He was the first to help Jessop to stay the ‘rot’ that had set in on Thursday.
26.
a. To leave off, cease, discontinue (doing something, an activity of one's own). Also to delay, withhold (one's good opinion, thanks). Now rare or Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > ceasing > cease from (an action or operation) [verb (transitive)]
aswikec975
linOE
beleavec1175
forletc1175
i-swikec1175
restc1175
stutte?c1225
lina1300
blinc1314
to give overc1325
to do wayc1350
stintc1366
finisha1375
leavea1375
yleavec1380
to leave offa1382
refuse1389
ceasec1410
resigna1413
respite?a1439
relinquish1454
surcease1464
discontinue1474
unfill1486
supersede1499
desist1509
to have ado?1515
stop1525
to lay aside1530
stay1538
quata1614
to lay away1628
sist1635
quita1642
to throw up1645
to lay by1709
to come off1715
unbuckle1736
peter1753
to knock off1767
stash1794
estop1796
stow1806
cheese1811
to chuck itc1879
douse1887
nark1889
to stop off1891
stay1894
sling1902
can1906
to lay off1908
to pack in1934
to pack up1934
to turn in1938
to break down1941
to tie a can to (or on)1942
to jack in1948
to wrap it up1949
the world > action or operation > ceasing > cease from (an action or operation) [verb (transitive)] > discontinue
solvec1450
to let pass1530
stay1538
to leave down1548
quita1681
1538 T. Elyot Dict. Supprimere iter, to stay or omitte a iourney.
c1550 J. Cheke Let. in Athenæum (1909) 28 Aug. 237/2 As a man often..deceived with your promises, I will stay my good opinion.
1579 W. Wilkinson Confut. Familye of Loue Brief Descr. sig. ☛ iij If Sathan there had stayd his rage.
c1610–15 tr. St. Gregory of Nyssa Life St. Macrina in C. Horstmann Lives Women Saints (1886) 199 Not intermitting or staying his talke of sublime things for his bodies infirmitie.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Winter's Tale (1623) i. ii. 9 Stay your Thanks a while, And pay them when you part. View more context for this quotation
1628 W. Prynne Briefe Suruay Mr. Cozens 44 There is as much hope of making the restlesse Sunne to stay its motion.
1685 Lady Russell Lett. I. xxvii. 72 I had not stayed supplying you with new French papers, but that I was doubtful how the last got to you.
1820 J. Keats Isabella in Lamia & Other Poems 72 Then 'gan she work again; nor stay'd her care, But to throw back at times her veiling hair.
b. To cease to (do something). poetic. rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > ceasing > cease from (an action or operation) [verb (transitive)]
aswikec975
linOE
beleavec1175
forletc1175
i-swikec1175
restc1175
stutte?c1225
lina1300
blinc1314
to give overc1325
to do wayc1350
stintc1366
finisha1375
leavea1375
yleavec1380
to leave offa1382
refuse1389
ceasec1410
resigna1413
respite?a1439
relinquish1454
surcease1464
discontinue1474
unfill1486
supersede1499
desist1509
to have ado?1515
stop1525
to lay aside1530
stay1538
quata1614
to lay away1628
sist1635
quita1642
to throw up1645
to lay by1709
to come off1715
unbuckle1736
peter1753
to knock off1767
stash1794
estop1796
stow1806
cheese1811
to chuck itc1879
douse1887
nark1889
to stop off1891
stay1894
sling1902
can1906
to lay off1908
to pack in1934
to pack up1934
to turn in1938
to break down1941
to tie a can to (or on)1942
to jack in1948
to wrap it up1949
1894 R. Bridges Shorter Poems v. Palm Willow 2 The birds have stayed to sing.
ΘΚΠ
society > armed hostility > defence > defend [verb (transitive)] > defend against incursion
stay1575
war-lock1800
1575 W. Drury in T. Churchyard Chippes f. 44v Sir Thomas Manners..was sent before to stay the gates.
1576 G. Gascoigne Steele Glas sig. F.ijv Demosthenes, in Athens vsde his arte..stil to stay, the towne from deepe deceite Of Philips wyles, which had besieged it.
28. To appease, allay (strife, tumult); †to reduce to order, bring under control (rebellious elements); †to compose (a disturbed district). †Also reflexive to compose oneself, control one's emotions. Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > calmness > compose oneself [verb (reflexive)]
stilla1325
spakea1400
amesec1400
soft?a1500
stay1537
recollect1595
collect1602
compose1607
recompose1611
to reassume oneself1635
relax1685
summon1745
mellow1974
centre1980
society > society and the community > dissent > absence of dissension or peace > bringing about concord or peace > bring to peace (strife or discord) [verb (transitive)]
appease1330
peasea1387
soberc1430
pacifya1513
stay1537
stickle1556
still1570
society > armed hostility > peace > pacification > make (peace) [verb (transitive)] > pacify (a place or community)
frithc893
peasea1387
pacify1474
peacify1516
stay1537
pacificate1608
1537 R. Aske in H. Ellis Orig. Lett. Eng. Hist. (1846) 3rd Ser. III. 59 I prey your Lordship to stay your quarters, as I have doon thes parts.
1548 Hall's Vnion: Richard III f. xxvjv To putte some to execucion, and staie the countree, or els no small mischiefe had ensued.
1577 T. Kendall tr. Politianus et al. Flowers of Epigrammes f. 2v Seke still to staie the stormes of sturdie strife.
a1593 C. Marlowe Massacre at Paris (c1600) sig. B4 I haue done what I could to stay this broile.
1598 W. Shakespeare Love's Labour's Lost iii. i. 89 The Foxe, the Ape, and the Humble-Bee, Were still at oddes, being but three. Pag. Vntill the Goose came out of doore, And staied the oddes by adding foure. View more context for this quotation
1603 R. Knolles Gen. Hist. Turkes 688 Auria somewhat troubled with this sudden comming out of the enemie,..yet notably staied himselfe.
a1648 Ld. Herbert Life Henry VIII (1649) 414 This alone yet could not have stayed the Rebels.
1810 W. Scott Lady of Lake v. 234 Old men..Blessed him who stayed the civil strife.
1876 Ld. Tennyson Harold i. ii. 28 Should not England Love Aldwyth, if she stay the feuds that part The sons of Godwin from the sons of Alfgar By such a marrying?
29. to stay the stomach: to appease its cravings, stave off hunger; to quiet the appetite temporarily. Similarly to stay one's longing, hunger, the appetite, etc. Also figurative.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > food > consumption of food or drink > eating > eat [verb (intransitive)] > stave off hunger
to stay the stomach1609
1609 W. Shakespeare Pericles xxii. 106 Lord Cerimon wee doe our longing stay, To heare the rest vntolde. View more context for this quotation
1612 B. Jonson Alchemist iii. v. sig. H3 A piece of Ginger-bread, to be mery withall, And stay your stomacke, least you faint with fasting. View more context for this quotation
1655 T. Fuller Church-hist. Brit. vii. 419 All this Income rather stayed the stomack, than satisfied the hunger of the Kings Exchequer.
1684 tr. T. Bonet Guide Pract. Physician i. 23 Fat and clammy things stay too great hunger.
1739 H. Walpole Let. to R. West 18 June To stay your stomach, I will send you one of the vaudevilles or ballads.
a1853 F. W. Robertson Serm. (1857) 3rd Ser. xx. 258 A thing which when chewed will stay the appetite.
1877 C. H. Spurgeon Serm. XXIII. 495 Present mercies are a sip by the way—a morsel eaten to stay the stomach.
1879 R. L. Stevenson Trav. with Donkey 89 Father Michael..gave me a glass of liqueur to stay me till dinner.
1888 Sat. Rev. 20 Oct. 453/1 It would appear that the fight at the Jalapla has..stayed the stomach of the Lamas for fighting.
Compounds
C1. Combinations of the verb + object. Also stay-ship n. † stay-time n. Obsolete ? something to arrest the flight of time.Apparently an isolated use.
stay-plough n. = restharrow n. (Prior Plant-n. 1863).
stay-stomach n. a snack to stay the stomach or appetite; also figurative.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > food > meal > [noun] > light meal or snacks
nuncheonc1260
morsela1382
refection?a1439
mixtumc1490
bever1500
banquet1509
collation1525
snatch1570
beverage1577
a little something1577
anders-meat1598
four-hours1637
watering1637
refreshment1639
snap1642
luncheona1652
crib1652
prandicle1656
munchin1657
baita1661
unch1663
afternooning1678
whet1688
nacket1694
merenda1740
rinfresco1745
bagging?1746
snack1757
coffee1774
second breakfast1775
nummit1777
stay-stomach1800
damper1804
eleven o'clock1805
noonshine1808
by-bit1819
morning1819
four1823
four o'clock1825
lunch1829
stay-bit1833
picnic meal1839
elevens1849
Tommy1864
picnic tea1869
dinnerette1872
merienda1880
elevenses1887
light bite1887
soldier's supper1893
mug-up1902
tray1914
café complet1933
nosha1941
namkeen1942
snax1947
snackette1952
chaat1954
ploughman's lunch1957
munchie1959
playlunch1960
short-eat1962
lite bite1965
munchie1971
ploughman1975
aperitivo2002
1800 J. Bentham Wks. (1843) X. 356 The accompanying forgery papers I send you for a stay stomach, to keep you in good humour.
1825 W. Cobbett Rural Rides in Cobbett's Weekly Polit. Reg. 26 Nov. 529 We had some bits of bread and meat in our pockets..which were merely intended as stay-stomachs.
1891 Church Times 328/4 The cross bun on Good Friday..was the only stay~stomach permissible till 3 p.m.
ΚΠ
1713 M. Henry Catech. Youth in Wks. (1857) II. 162/2 We have more need of stay~times than pastimes.
C2. Combinations of the verb + adverb or adverbial phrase. Also stay-at-home adj. and n.
stay-ashore n. one who stays ashore.
ΚΠ
1884 Pall Mall Gaz. 24 July 2/1 On landing the crew were severely censured by the stay-ashores for ‘lack of courage’.
stay-away n. (a) one who stays away; (b) an act or process of staying away, esp. from work; also as adj.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > working > labour relations > [noun] > strike > other types of strike
stay-away1867
sympathetic strike1899
stay-in1915
sympathy strike1937
token strike1947
hiccup strike1950
token stoppage1954
stay-at-home1959
society > occupation and work > working > labour relations > [adjective] > relating to strike > other types of strike
stay-away1867
stay-in1915
1867 Ch. & St. Rev. 2 Feb. 99 The intolerable dulness of the sermons, and the want of sympathy evinced by the sermonisers with the political aspirations of the stayaways, were the reasons given.
1940 Sun (Baltimore) 10 Sept. 7/2 A ‘stay-away’ strike by hundreds of Allegany county school children continued into its second week today, with parents' support. Students said the ‘stay away’ was a protest against the consolidation program of the Allegany County Board of Education.
1963 Listener 28 Feb. 363/1 The calls for general work-stoppages during recent years have been ‘stay-aways’ directed against political and urban restrictions rather than against employers.
1976 Times 24 Aug. 1/4 Thousands of people in Soweto heeded a call not to go to work... Whether the mass stay-away..reflected widespread support for the strike call is unclear.
stay-a-while n. Australian the shrub Acacia colletioides, from the difficulty of penetrating a tract covered with it.
ΘΚΠ
the world > plants > particular plants > trees and shrubs > non-British trees or shrubs > acacia trees > [noun]
acacia1542
babul1696
marblewood1753
black wattle1802
popinac1809
wattlec1810
wattle-treec1810
giraffe tree1815
haakdoring1822
hookthorn1822
kameeldoorn1822
camel-thorn1824
catechu-tree1829
silver wattle1832
blackthorn1833
thorny acacia1834
boobyalla1835
seyal1844
mulga1848
thorn-wood1850
hackthorn1857
mimosa1857
poison tree1857
Port Jackson1857
talha1857
golden wattle1859
whitethorn acacia1860
buffalo thorn1866
nelia1867
siris1874
cassie1876
couba1878
needlebush1884
sallow wattle1884
sally1884
giddea1885
prickly Moses1887
yarran1888
opopanax tree1889
wait-a-while1889
fever tree1893
giraffe acacia1896
stay-a-while1898
brigalow1901
wirra1904
cootamundra1909
Sydney golden wattle1909
witchetty bush1911
rooikrans1917
jam-tree1934
whistling thorn1949
blackthorn1966
1898 E. E. Morris Austral Eng. 436 Stay-a-while, a tangled bush; sometimes called Wait-a-while.
stay-down adj. of, pertaining to, or designating a strike staged by miners staying down a mine.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > absence of movement > [verb (intransitive)] > remain as opposed to go
bidec893
yleaveOE
leaveOE
wonc1000
abideOE
worthOE
beliveOE
atstutte-nc1220
stuttea1225
atstuntc1230
astinta1250
beleavea1325
lasta1325
stounda1325
stinta1340
joukc1374
restaya1382
to leave over1394
liec1400
byec1425
onbidec1430
keep1560
stay1575
delay1655
to wait on1773
stop1801
to sit on1815
to hang around1830
to stick around1878
to sit tight1897
remain1912
stay-down1948
society > occupation and work > working > labour relations > [adjective] > relating to strike > in a mine
stay-down1948
1948 Sun (Baltimore) 11 Feb. 3/1 (heading) ‘Stay-down’ strikers occupy British mine.
1948 Sun (Baltimore) 11 Feb. 3/1 Three hundred miners are staging a ‘stay-down’ strike in the Waleswood mine.
1948 Times 23 Feb. 3/1 More than 400 delegates from all parts of the South Wales coalfield at Cardiff on Saturday discussed measures to stop the wave of stay-down strikes.
1980 Listener 29 May 686/2 Miners in Hungary were winning themselves better conditions with a new tactic, the stay-down hunger strike.
stay-in adj. of, pertaining to, or designating a strike in which the strikers remain in their place of work; also absolute as n. , (one who participates in) a strike of this kind.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > working > labour relations > [noun] > strike > other types of strike
stay-away1867
sympathetic strike1899
stay-in1915
sympathy strike1937
token strike1947
hiccup strike1950
token stoppage1954
stay-at-home1959
society > occupation and work > working > labour relations > [adjective] > relating to strike > other types of strike
stay-away1867
stay-in1915
society > occupation and work > worker > worker according to manner of working > [noun] > striking > types of
stay-in1915
wildcat striker1945
wild-catter1966
sympathy striker1973
1915 Polit. Q. May 95 The Withdrawal of Labour Committee..advised the men..to adopt the ‘stay-in’ strike.
1926 Times 29 Apr. 5/7 (heading) Lock-out of ‘stay-in’ strikers.
1937 Amer. Speech 12 32 When this type of action takes place during working hours..it is a sit-down, folded arms or crossed arms strike. When it is prolonged beyond that period, it becomes, in addition, a stay-in.
1944 Time 12 June 14/1 Some of the stay-ins crowded out on to the balconies.
1950 Millis & Brown Wagner Act to Taft-Hartley viii. 278 In the ‘stay-in’ strike..management was locked out and kept off the job.
1968 Amer. Speech 43 63 Drop-outs and stay-ins have been noted.
stay-on adj. intended for guests who ‘stay on’ after an earlier function.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > social event > type of social event > [adjective] > specific type of social event
full-dressed1798
white tie1876
stay-on1900
1900 ‘J. S. Winter’ Married Miss Binks 79 They sent out invitations for a sort of garden party with a stay~on cold dinner and a dance to follow.
stay over n. a waiting at a port of transhipment when the regular connection has been missed.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > travel by water > transportation by water > [noun] > transferring from one vessel to another > waiting at port of transhipment
stay over1898
1898 M. Davitt Life & Progr. Australasia 2 One of the most interesting experiences in a ‘stay over’ at this unsavoury place is that of watching the Arab porters coaling a ship.
stay-up adj. of stockings: remaining in place without garters or suspenders; also absolute as n.
ΘΚΠ
the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > types or styles of clothing > clothing for legs > clothing for legs and feet > [adjective]
heeledeOE
laced1441
upper-stocked1535
stocked1598
steeple-clocked1776
footless1853
fashioned1881
digitated1882
seamless1921
stay-up1949
dazzle1958
sandal-foot1959
1949 Sun (Baltimore) 20 July 4 No roll—stay up tops.
1953 Sun (Baltimore) 20 July (E ed.) 3 No supporters are necessary for they have their own stay-up tops!
1969 J. Gardner Compl. State of Death ix. 174 Her woollen kaftan riding up to display the dark elasticized top of her stay-up stockings.
1973 Nation (Barbados) 25 Nov. 3 (advt.) Nylon Stay-ups 99 c.
C3. The verb-stem used attributively.
stay-bit n. a snack before a meal.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > food > meal > [noun] > light meal or snacks
nuncheonc1260
morsela1382
refection?a1439
mixtumc1490
bever1500
banquet1509
collation1525
snatch1570
beverage1577
a little something1577
anders-meat1598
four-hours1637
watering1637
refreshment1639
snap1642
luncheona1652
crib1652
prandicle1656
munchin1657
baita1661
unch1663
afternooning1678
whet1688
nacket1694
merenda1740
rinfresco1745
bagging?1746
snack1757
coffee1774
second breakfast1775
nummit1777
stay-stomach1800
damper1804
eleven o'clock1805
noonshine1808
by-bit1819
morning1819
four1823
four o'clock1825
lunch1829
stay-bit1833
picnic meal1839
elevens1849
Tommy1864
picnic tea1869
dinnerette1872
merienda1880
elevenses1887
light bite1887
soldier's supper1893
mug-up1902
tray1914
café complet1933
nosha1941
namkeen1942
snax1947
snackette1952
chaat1954
ploughman's lunch1957
munchie1959
playlunch1960
short-eat1962
lite bite1965
munchie1971
ploughman1975
aperitivo2002
1833 Fraser's Mag. 7 686 Which might peradventure serve as a stay-bit to a ravenous public.
Draft additions March 2015
South African. stay well: used as an expression of farewell or to express good wishes when parting; cf. go well at go v. Phrases 2j. [After similar expressions in several Bantu languages of South Africa; e.g. compare Zulu sala kahle (also with prefixed pronoun usale kahle you stay well), (to a group) salani kahle ( < imperative forms of -sala to stay + kahle well) and also the similarly-formed Southern Sotho sala hantle, Northern Sotho sala pila.]
ΚΠ
1948 A. Paton Cry, Beloved Country 17 Go well, my child. Stay well, umfundisi. Stay well, mother. Go well, my child.
1961 H. Stanton Go well stay Well 5 ‘Go well.’ ‘Stay well.’ Sesuto: ‘Tsamea pila.’ ‘Sala pila.’ These words constitute the customary expressions of good-will when African friends are parting.
1983 N.S. Ndebele Fools 265 The boy..curtsied when I placed the orange in his hands ‘Stay well,’ he said as he walked out.
2003 L. DeSoto Blade of Grass (2004) xxxvii. 222 Bodule tucks his hat under his arm and cups both hands to receive his wages. ‘Usale kahle, Missus. Stay well’. ‘Go well, Bodule’.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1915; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
stayv.2
/steɪ/, U.S. /steɪ//steɪd/. Also 1500s stey, staie, staye. 1.
a. transitive. To support, sustain, hold up (a person or thing). Const. on, upon, †unto. Now somewhat rare except in technical use (see 4).
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > support > [verb (transitive)]
to bear upeOE
underbearc950
bearOE
holdc1000
weighc1200
to hold up1297
upholda1300
sustainc1330
undersetc1330
comforta1382
underbear1382
upbear1390
sustaina1398
upkeepc1412
carrya1425
supporta1425
chargea1500
convey1514
avoke1529
confirm1542
stay1548
to carry up1570
bolster1581
lift1590
upstay1590
atlas1593
sustent1605
statuminatea1628
firm1646
appui1656
establish1664
shoulder1674
to keep up1681
upheave1729
withhold1769
the world > physical sensation > sight and vision > seeing or looking > see [verb (transitive)] > stare or gaze at > of eye: rest upon
stay1548
fix1791
1548 T. Cooper Bibliotheca Eliotæ (rev. ed.) Canalicula & Canaliculus, a littell pype, or a lyttell splente to staie a broken fynger.
1551 T. Lever Serm. xiiii. December (new ed.) sig. G.iii Beware therefore that ye staye not your selfe vnto a bryttell staffe.
1572 L. Mascall tr. D. Brossard L'Art et Maniere de Semer v, in Bk. Plant & Graffe Trees 38 When those cions shall put foorth of faire wood, ye must binde and staye them in the mids..with small wandes.
1576 A. Fleming tr. Cicero in Panoplie Epist. 150 The common wealth leaneth and stayeth it selfe vpon your shoulders.
1578 J. Banister Hist. Man iv. f. 47 Moreouer they [sc. the muscles] are mad to stay the eyes.
1590 E. Spenser Faerie Queene i. vi. sig. F4 And in his hand a Iacobs staffe, to stay His weary limbs vpon.
1609 S. Rowlands Famous Hist. Guy Earle of Warwick 69 He sits him sadly down, And on his bending knees his elbow stays.
a1630 J. Taylor Wks. ii. 175/2 A Water-man many times hath his Soueraigne by the hand, to stay him in and out the Barge.
1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Georgics ii, in tr. Virgil Wks. 88 Sallows and Reeds..for Vineyards useful found, To stay thy Vines, and fence thy fruitful Ground. View more context for this quotation
1817 J. Keats I stood Tip-toe 73 Where swarms of minnows show their little heads, Staying their wavy bodies 'gainst the streams.
1837 T. Carlyle French Revol. I. i. ii. 17 On this younger strength it would fain stay its decrepitude.
1870 W. C. Bryant tr. Homer Iliad II. xviii. 703 The vines were stayed on rows of silver stakes.
1871 H. Yule tr. Bk. Marco Polo I. i. lxi. 264 He has another Palace built of cane... It is stayed on gilt and lackered columns.
1891 R. Kipling Barrack-room Ballads (1892) 17 Because on the bones of the English the English Flag is stayed.
b. transferred and figurative. To support, sustain, strengthen, comfort. Now archaic. (Biblical).
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > easiness > aid, help, or assistance > support > [verb (transitive)]
lasteOE
i-hentc1225
uphold?c1225
upbeara1300
sustainc1300
understand13..
uplift1338
maintainc1350
supporta1393
underset1395
buttressc1400
supprise1447
bolster1508
stay1526
stay1526
undershore?a1534
underpropa1535
to hold up by the chin1546
back1548
suborn1548
suffult?c1550
upshore?1567
shoulder1577
upstay1600
underwrite1609
abone1622
crutch1641
float1823
backstop1956
1526 W. Bonde Pylgrimage of Perfection Pref. sig. aiiv Thus these holy gyftes stayeth the soule of man.
1558 Bp. T. Watson Holsome Doctr. Seuen Sacramentes vi. f. xxxiiiv That our courage & strength maye bee stayed and directed to the right ende.
1560 Bible (Geneva) Song of Sol. ii. 5 Stay me with flagons, comfort me with apples.
1573 T. Tusser Fiue Hundreth Points Good Husbandry (new ed.) f. 2 Though countrey helth long staied me.
1590 E. Spenser Faerie Queene iii. xi. sig. Nn4v Neither may This fire be quencht by any witt or might,..So mighty be th'enchauntments, which the same do stay.
1612 T. Taylor Αρχὴν Ἁπάντων: Comm. Epist. Paul to Titus (i. 7) 158 Whereby Iacob in want staied his minde.
1722 W. Sewel Hist. Quakers 13 Yet he was stayed by a secret Belief.
1872 O. W. Holmes Poet at Breakfast-table vii The trust that stayed the hearts of those we loved who have gone before us.
1913 D. Bray Life-hist. Brahui iv. 64 At her side sits some old dame, staying her with wise words of comfort.
c. with up. Now rare (archaic). Also †to stay upright.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > sleeping and waking > state of being awake > be or remain awake [verb (intransitive)] > intentionally
watchc1000
to sit upc1450
stay1526
to burn (etc.) the midnight oil1635
to set up1697
to wake it1766
to watch up1852
to wait up1855
to stop up1857
the world > action or operation > easiness > aid, help, or assistance > support > [verb (transitive)]
lasteOE
i-hentc1225
uphold?c1225
upbeara1300
sustainc1300
understand13..
uplift1338
maintainc1350
supporta1393
underset1395
buttressc1400
supprise1447
bolster1508
stay1526
stay1526
undershore?a1534
underpropa1535
to hold up by the chin1546
back1548
suborn1548
suffult?c1550
upshore?1567
shoulder1577
upstay1600
underwrite1609
abone1622
crutch1641
float1823
backstop1956
the world > physical sensation > sleeping and waking > sleep > bed related to sleep or rest > go to bed or retire to rest [verb (intransitive)] > stay up or out of bed during the night
wakec900
to sit upc1450
stay1526
to set up1697
to wake it1766
to watch up1852
to stop up1857
1526 Bible (Tyndale) Matt. iv. f. iiij With there handes they shall stey the vpp.
1535 Bible (Coverdale) Exod. xvii. 12 And Aaron & Hur stayed vp his handes.
1569 T. Underdowne tr. Heliodorus Æthiop. Hist. viii. 110 b Cariclia..beganne to staie her vprighte.
1577 B. Googe tr. C. Heresbach Foure Bks. Husbandry ii. f. 79v The Uines that are yoked, or stayed vp with proppes.
1611 Bible (King James) 1 Kings xxii. 35 The king was stayed vp in his charet against the Syrians. View more context for this quotation
1646 T. Gataker Mistake Removed 25 As a bruised staf of reed or cane, that is..unable to stay a man up and support him.
1842 H. E. Manning Serm. xix. 283 He stayed them up even against themselves.
2. † b. reflexive with upon: To rely or build upon, take one's stand upon, rest or act upon; to abide by; to content oneself with. Obsolete.† c. To settle in a strong position or secure tenure; to establish. Obsolete.
a. figurative. To cause to rest on, upon or in (a firm support, base or ground); to base or ground upon, to fix or set firmly in.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > support > [verb (transitive)] > place (a thing) on for support
rest1420
stay1565
encradle1596
pillow1611
ledge1926
the world > movement > absence of movement > render immobile [verb (transitive)] > stabilize > fix firmly in place
morec1300
ficchec1374
firmc1374
fix14..
staplec1400
stithc1480
perplant1548
settle1560
stay1565
lock1590
haft1755
sicker1824
brace1849
1565 R. Shacklock tr. S. Hozjusz Hatchet of Heresies 51 (margin) What scriptures Stenckfeld stayeth his sect vpon.
?1566 J. Phillip Commodye Pacient & Meeke Grissill sig. A.ii Historians oft in Hystories, their hole delightes haue staid To pen & paynt forth painfully, the modest liues of those, That [etc.].
1569 E. Spenser tr. J. du Bellay Sonets in T. Roest tr. J. van der Noot Theatre Worldlings sig. Bviii So I..In God alone do stay my confidence.
1611 Bible (King James) Isa. xxvi. 3 Thou wilt keepe him in perfect peace, whose minde is stayed on thee. View more context for this quotation
1850 Ld. Tennyson In Memoriam lxxviii. 110 A grief as deep as life or thought, But stay'd in peace with God and man. View more context for this quotation
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > belief, trust, confidence > trust [verb (reflexive)]
trowc950
tresta1250
affyc1350
grounda1387
sickera1400
traista1400
repose1539
stay1549
rest1574
the mind > emotion > pleasure > contentment or satisfaction > be content or satisfied with [verb (transitive)]
restc1300
to take in (good) wortha1382
sufficec1390
to have (also accept, bear, etc.) in wortha1456
stay1549
to take up with1609
to settle for1959
the world > existence and causation > causation > effect, result, or consequence > result [verb (intransitive)] > depend
depend1413
rest1530
penda1540
stay1549
to consist by1567
consist1588
suspend1608
to roll on ——1707
hinge1719
pivot1872
1549 R. Crowley Voyce Laste Trumpet sig. Aiii Stay thou thy selfe therfore vpon These examples confortable.
1560 Bible (Geneva) Isa. xlviii. 2 They..staie them selues vpon the God of Israel.
1576 W. Lambarde Perambulation of Kent 294 But staying my selfe vpon this general note, I will procead with the treatise of the place that I haue taken in hand.
1576 A. Fleming Panoplie Epist. Epitome sig. Aij The principalls of ech Prouince, stayed themselues vpon his determination.
1709 J. Strype Ann. Reformation v. 93 Their Adversaries stayed them~selves most upon Old Councils, and the Writings of Doctors and Fathers.
ΘΚΠ
the world > existence and causation > causation > initiating or causing to begin > initiate [verb (transitive)] > found or establish
arear?a800
astellc885
planteOE
i-set971
onstellOE
rightOE
stathelOE
raisec1175
stofnec1175
stablea1300
morec1300
ordainc1325
fermc1330
foundc1330
instore1382
instituec1384
establec1386
firmc1425
roota1450
steadfastc1450
establishc1460
institute1483
to set up1525
radicate1531
invent1546
constitute1549
ordinate1555
rampire1555
upset1559
stay1560
erect1565
makea1568
settle1582
stablish1590
seminarize1593
statuminatea1628
hain1635
bottom1657
haft1755
start1824
1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries f. cccxciiijv Wishing, that either nation with their forces ioyned together, might so stay them selues, that they should nead to be afraid of no man.
1574 in J. Raine Wills & Inventories N. Counties Eng. (1835) I. 398 I will that my trewe s'vant will'm pateson shalbe hynd of the too hous..vnto such tym as he be stayed wth a fermhold.
3. intransitive (for reflexive). to stay on, upon.† a. To lean upon, support oneself by (a staff, etc.). Of a thing: To rest upon, be supported by.† b. To rely upon, trust to, have confidence in; to look to for help or support. Of a thing: To depend on, be vested in. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > support > [verb (intransitive)] > be supported
rideOE
restOE
to sit upon ——1481
rely1572
stay1585
to sit on ——1605
seat1607
bottoma1640
step1791
heel1850
bed1875
1585 J. Higgins tr. Junius Nomenclator 208/2 Columnæ,..the vpright postes bearing vp the windbeame, and staying vpon the transains.
1598 R. Bernard tr. Terence Andria iii. v, in Terence in Eng. 65 Lo, what a sure speare I haue of thee. What a sure staffe to stay vpon.
1603 R. Knolles Gen. Hist. Turkes 69 The aforesaid vndermined towre with some part of the wall (the timber whereon it staied, now burnt) fell down.
1681 W. Robertson Phraseologia Generalis 1168/1 To stay or lean upon; niti, inniti, insistere.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > belief, trust, confidence > trust [verb (intransitive)] > rely on
wrethea1225
treousec1275
resta1382
to stand upon ——a1393
hang1393
lengc1440
arrest1523
reckon1547
ground1551
stay1560
depend1563
repose1567
rely1574
count1642
to make stay upon1682
allot1816
tie1867
1560 Bible (Geneva) Isa. xxxi. 1 Wo vnto them that..stay vpon horses, and trust in charettes.
1577 R. Holinshed Chron. II. 1610/1 The letter was to be followed, the message not to be stayed on.
1600 W. Shakespeare Merchant of Venice iv. i. 239 I stay here on my Bond. View more context for this quotation
1600 S. Rowlands Letting of Humors Blood Satyre iii. sig. D6 He hath a stocke whereon his lyuing stayes, And they are Fullams and Bard quarter-trayes.
1682 J. Bunyan Holy War 222 You must not dwell in, nor stay upon any thing of that which he hath in Commission to teach you. View more context for this quotation
1722 D. Defoe Jrnl. Plague Year 126 My Heart smote me, suggesting how much better this Poor Man's Foundation was, on which he staid in the Danger, than mine.
4. transitive (spec. and technical). To support, strengthen or secure with stays. Also with up.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > support > [verb (transitive)] > with stays
stay1556
wale1909
1556 in J. Raine Fabric Rolls York Minster (1859) 355 To Wm. Bellow and his ij workemen, in staying of the crosse & wallyng & settynge of the staires abowtt the said crosse, 10s. For staying of the owtshottis, etc. 7s. 8d.
1568–9 in J. Raine Fabric Rolls York Minster (1859) 114 To Brian Daragon for making ij stayes to beare and stay uppe a gutter, 4d.
1580–1 in J. Raine Fabric Rolls York Minster (1859) 118 For two longe yron gaddes for stayinge of a pynnacle of the churche, 11s.
1838 F. W. Simms Public Wks. Great Brit. 70 The roof and sides of the box shall be stayed with copper bolts.
1849 J. Ruskin Seven Lamps Archit. vi. 181 Watch an old building with anxious care..stay it with timber where it declines.
1869 W. J. M. Rankine Cycl. Machine & Hand-tools Pl.K 1 This machine consists of two very strong cast-iron plates, well stayed and bolted together.
1887 Encycl. Brit. XXII. 498/2 The front tube-plate in which the tubes terminate..is stayed to the back tube-plate by the tubes themselves.
1887 Encycl. Brit. XXII. 499/2 The steam-dome is a cylinder 21/ 2 feet in diameter and 8 feet long, stayed by a central 31/ 2-inch rod of steel.
1898 Daily News 10 May 6/7 It did not matter to you whether the building was stayed up or not?
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1915; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
stayv.3
/steɪd/. Nautical.
1. transitive. To secure or steady by means of stays; to incline (forward, aft, or to one side) by means of stays.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > travel by water > vessel, ship, or boat > shipbuilding and repairing > build a ship [verb (transitive)] > fit out or equip > rig > secure with stays
stay1627
1627 J. Smith Sea Gram. v. 19 Those staies doe helpe to stay the Boulspret.
1644 H. Mainwaring Sea-mans Dict. 101 The foremast and masts belonging to it are in the same manner stayed at the bolt-sprit, and sprit-saile-top-mast.
1793 J. Smeaton Narr. Edystone Lighthouse (ed. 2) §300 Our shears and tackle were so well lashed down and stayed.
1846 A. Young Naut. Dict. 296 A mast is said to be stayed forward, or to rake aft, according as it inclines forward or aft.
1894 Westm. Gaz. 22 Feb. 5/1 The funnel had to be stayed.
2. To put (a ship) ‘in stays’ (see stay n.1 2a); to put on the other tack.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > travel by water > directing or managing a ship > use of wind > get into the current of the wind [verb (transitive)] > cause to go about
wend1556
to put about1607
wind1623
staya1625
about1694
cast1769
a1625 H. Mainwaring Nomenclator Navalis (Harl. 2301) To Stay or bring a Ship a Stay.
1633 T. James Strange Voy. 93 We turned amongst this Ice, staying the Ship sometimes within her length, of great pieces.
1644 H. Mainwaring Sea-mans Dict. To Stay, or, bring a Ship a-stay. When we tack the ship, before the ship can be ready to be tacked; she must come a-stayes or a back-stayes, that is, when wind comes in at the bowe which was the lee-bowe before, and so drives all the sailes backward, against the shrowds and masts, so that the ship hath no way, but drives with the broad-side: the manner of doing it is, [etc.].
1706 Phillips's New World of Words (new ed.) at Stay To Bring a Ship upon the Stays or To stay her, is to manage her Tackle, and sails so that she cannot make any way forward, which is done in order to her Tacking.
1895 Daily News 8 July 8/6 The Prince's cutter made a strong bid for the weather berth by crossing on the wrong tack, but Ailsa was stayed, and Carter's game was spoiled.
3. intransitive. To go about in stays; to turn to windward in order to tack.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > travel by water > directing or managing a ship > use of wind > avail oneself of a wind [verb (intransitive)] > go about > by tacking
traverse1568
to cast about1591
to throw about1591
staya1613
flat1622
cast1671
to put about1712
to come about1777
to throw round1882
a1613 W. Raleigh Let. Sceptick etc. (1651) 130 The extream length of a Ship makes her unapt to stay.
a1665 K. Digby Jrnl. Voy. to Mediterranean (1868) 5 Wee..made all hast wee could to tacke about after them, but the sea went so high that it was long before we could make our shippe stay.
1769 W. Falconer Universal Dict. Marine Transl. French Terms Refuser, to fall off again, when in stays; expressed of a ship that will not go about, or stay.
1836 E. Howard Rattlin xxxi She has stayed within her own length.
1891 Daily News 19 Oct. 6/7 The helm was put up, but the ship refused to stay.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1915; most recently modified version published online June 2022).
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