noun.
A prop; a support.
noun.
Specifically— In building, a piece performing the office of a brace, to prevent the swerving or lateral deviation of the piece to which it is applied.
noun.
In steam-engines: A rod, bar. bolt, or gusset in a boiler, to hold two parts together against the pressure of steam: as, a tube-stay; a water-space stay.
noun.
One of the sling-rods connecting a locomotive-boiler to its frame.
noun.
A rod, beneath the boiler, supporting the inside bearings of the crank-axle of a locomotive.
noun.
In mining, a piece of wood used to secure the pump to an engine-shaft.
noun.
In some hollow-castings, a spindle which forms a support for the core.
noun.
In anatomy and zoology, technically, a prop or support: as, the bony stay of the operculum of a mail-cheeked fish, or cottoid. This is an enlarged suborbital bone which crosses the cheek and articulates with the præoperculum in the mail-cheeked fishes. See Cottoidea, Scleropariæ.
noun.
plural A kind of waistcoat, stiffened with whalebone or other material, now worn chiefly by women and girls to support and give shape to the body, but formerly worn also by men.
noun.
A fastening for a garment; hence, a hook; a clasp; anything to hang another thing on.
noun.
That which holds or restrains; obstacle; check; hindrance; restraint.
noun.
A stop; a halt; a break or cessation of action, motion, or progression: as, the court granted a stay.
noun.
A standstill; a state of rest; entire cessation of motion or progress: used chiefly in the phrase at a stay.
noun.
A fixed state; fixedness; stability; permanence.
noun.
Continuance in a place; abode for an indefinite time; sojourn: as, you make a short stay in the city.
noun.
A station or fixed anchorage for vessels.
noun.
State; fixed condition.