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