(n.) 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 vessel's side are called backstays. See Illust.
of Ship.
(v. i.) To stop from motion or falling; to prop; to fix firmly; to
hold up; to support.
(v. i.) To support from sinking; to sustain with strength; to
satisfy in part or for the time.
(v. i.) To bear up under; to endure; to support; to resist
successfully.
(v. i.) To hold from proceeding; to withhold; to restrain; to
stop; to hold.
(v. i.) To hinde/; to delay; to detain; to keep back.
(v. i.) To remain for the purpose of; to wait for.
(v. i.) To cause to cease; to put an end to.
(v. i.) To fasten or secure with stays; as, to stay a flat sheet
in a steam boiler.
(v. i.) To tack, as a vessel, so that the other side of the vessel
shall be presented to the wind.
(v. i.) To remain; to continue in a place; to abide fixed for a
space of time; to stop; to stand still.
(v. i.) To continue in a state.
(v. i.) To wait; to attend; to forbear to act.
(v. i.) To dwell; to tarry; to linger.
(v. i.) To rest; to depend; to rely; to stand; to insist.
(v. i.) To come to an end; to cease; as, that day the storm
stayed.
(v. i.) To hold out in a race or other contest; as, a horse stays
well.
(v. i.) To change tack; as a ship.
(n.) That which serves as a prop; a support.
(n.) A corset stiffened with whalebone or other material, worn by
women, and rarely by men.
(n.) Continuance in a place; abode for a space of time; sojourn;
as, you make a short stay in this city.
(n.) Cessation of motion or progression; stand; stop.
(n.) Hindrance; let; check.
(n.) Restraint of passion; moderation; caution; steadiness;
sobriety.
(n.) Strictly, a part in tension to hold the parts together, or
stiffen them.
