meaning of stay
1. A large, strong rope, employed to support a mast, by being extended from the head of one mast down to some other, or to some part of the vessel. Those which lead forward are called fore-and-aft stays; those which lead to the vessels side are called backstays. See Illust. of Ship.
2. To stop from motion or falling; to prop; to fix firmly; to hold up; to support.
3. To support from sinking; to sustain with strength; to satisfy in part or for the time.
4. To bear up under; to endure; to support; to resist successfully.
5. To hold from proceeding; to withhold; to restrain; to stop; to hold.
6. To hinde/; to delay; to detain; to keep back.
7. To remain for the purpose of; to wait for.
8. To cause to cease; to put an end to.
9. To fasten or secure with stays; as, to stay a flat sheet in a steam boiler.
10. To tack, as a vessel, so that the other side of the vessel shall be presented to the wind.
11. To remain; to continue in a place; to abide fixed for a space of time; to stop; to stand still.
12. To continue in a state.
13. To wait; to attend; to forbear to act.
14. To dwell; to tarry; to linger.
15. To rest; to depend; to rely; to stand; to insist.
16. To come to an end; to cease; as, that day the storm stayed.
17. To hold out in a race or other contest; as, a horse stays well.
18. To change tack; as a ship.
19. That which serves as a prop; a support.
20. A corset stiffened with whalebone or other material, worn by women, and rarely by men.
21. Continuance in a place; abode for a space of time; sojourn; as, you make a short stay in this city.
22. Cessation of motion or progression; stand; stop.
23. Hindrance; let; check.
24. Restraint of passion; moderation; caution; steadiness; sobriety.
25. Strictly, a part in tension to hold the parts together, or stiffen them.
26. continuing or remaining in a place or state; "they had a nice stay in Paris"; "a lengthy hospital stay"; "a four-month stay in bankruptcy
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Related Words
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