Chapter XIV: Front Matter (14)

SPRAWL, sprawl, _v.i._ to toss or kick about the limbs: to stretch the body carelessly when lying: to spread ungracefully.--_n._ a sprawling posture.--_n._ SPRAWL'ER. [There is an A.S. _spréawlian_, to move convulsively; but the word is most probably for _sprattle_ or _sprottle_--Sw. _sprattla_, to sprawl; cf. Dan. _sprælle_, to toss about the limbs.]

SPRAY, spr[=a], _n._ small particles of water driven by the wind, as from the top of waves, &c.--_adj._ SPRAY'EY, consisting of spray. [Skeat suggests that the word is from Dut. _spreiden_, to spread, scatter.]

SPRAY, spr[=a], _n._ a small shoot of a tree.--_adj._ SPRAY'EY, branching. [Akin to Ice. _sprek_, a twig, Dan. _sprag_; Doublet _sprig_.]

SPREAD, spred, _v.t._ to scatter abroad or in all directions: to stretch: to extend: to overlay: to shoot out, as branches: to circulate, as news: to cause to affect numbers, as a disease: to diffuse: to set with provisions, as a table.--_v.i._ to extend or expand in all directions: to be extended or stretched: to be propagated or circulated:--_pa.t._ and _pa.p._ spread.--_n._ extent: compass: expansion of parts: that which is spread out, a feast: a cover for a bed or a table.--_adj._ having a broad surface: shallower than the standard.--_adj._ SPREAD'-EA'GLE, like an eagle with the wings stretched out, bombastic, boastful.--_n._ (_naut._) a person seized in the rigging, a passenger thus made to pay his entrance forfeit.--_ns._ SPREAD'-EA'GLEISM, a bombastic and frothy patriotism; SPREAD'ER, one who, or that which, spreads, one who publishes or extends: any machine or implement for helping to scatter.--_p.adj._ SPREAD'ING.--_adv._ SPREAD'INGLY, increasingly.--SPREAD A FLEET, to keep more open order. [A.S. _spr['æ]dan_; Dut. _spreiden_, Ger. _spreiten_.]

SPREAGH, spreh, _n._ plunder.--_n._ SPREAGH'ERY, cattle-lifting. [Gael. _spreidh_, cattle.]

SPRECKLED, sprek'ld, _adj._ speckled.

SPRED, spred, _pa.p._ and _n._ an obsolete form of _spread_.--Also SPRED'DEN.

SPREE, spr[=e], _n._ a merry frolic: a drunken bout.--_v.i._ to carouse. [Prob. Ir. _spre_, a spark, _spraic_, vigour.]

SPRENT, sprent, _adj._ sprinkled. [M. E. _sprengen_ (pa.t. _sprente_)--A.S. _sprengan_, to cause to spring.]

SPRIG, sprig, _n._ a small shoot or twig: a scion, a young person: an ornament like a spray: one of various small pointed implements, a headless nail: one of the separate pieces of lace fastened on a ground in appliqué lace.--_v.t._ to embroider with representations of twigs:--_pr.p._ sprig'ging; _pa.t._ and _pa.p._ sprigged.--_adj._ SPRIG'GY, full of sprigs or young branches. [Cf. Ice. _sprek_, a stick.]

SPRIGHT, spr[=i]t, _n._ the same as _Sprite_ (q.v.).--_adj._ SPRIGHT'FUL (_Shak._), full of spirit: brisk, gay.--_adv._ SPRIGHT'FULLY, in a sprightful manner, briskly, vigorously.--_n._ SPRIGHT'FULNESS, the quality of being sprightful, briskness, liveliness.--_adj._ SPRIGHT'LESS, destitute of spirit or life: dull: sluggish.--_n._ SPRIGHT'LINESS.--_adj._ SPRIGHT'LY, airy: full of life: lively: brisk. [_Spright_=_sprite_.]

SPRING, spring, _v.i._ to bound: to leap: to rush hastily: to move suddenly by elastic force: to start up suddenly: to break forth: to appear: to issue: to come into existence: (_B._) to rise, as the sun.--_v.t._ to cause to spring up: to start: to produce quickly, cause to act suddenly: to leap over: to explode, as a mine: to open, as a leak: to crack, as a mast: to bend by force, strain: (_archit._) to start from an abutment, &c.: to set together with bevel-joints:--_pa.t._ sprang, sprung; _pa.p._ sprung.--_n._ a leap: a flying back with elastic force: elastic power: an elastic body: any active power: that by which action is produced: cause or origin: a source: an outflow of water from the earth: (_B._) the dawn: the time when plants begin to spring up and grow, the vernal season--March, April, May: a starting of a plank in a vessel: a crack in a mast.--_ns._ SPRING'AL, SPRING'ALD, an active springy young man, a youth; SPRING'-BACK, an inner false joint on a bound book, springing upward from the true or outer back when the book is opened flat; SPRING'-BAL'ANCE, an instrument for determining the weight of a body by the elasticity of a spiral spring; SPRING'-BEAM, a beam of considerable span, without central support, the tie-beam of a truss; in a steamer, a fore-and-aft beam for connecting the two paddle-beams: an elastic bar at the top of a tilt-hammer, jig-saw, &c.; SPRING'-BEAU'TY, the _Claytonia Virginica_; SPRING'-BED, a mattress formed of spiral springs set in a wooden frame; SPRING'-BEE'TLE, an elater; SPRING'-BOARD, a board fastened on elastic supports, used to spring from in performing feats of agility; SPRING'BOK, a beautiful South African antelope, larger than a roebuck [Dut.]; SPRING'-BOX, a box or barrel in which a spring is coiled: the frame of a sofa, &c., in which the springs are set; SPRING'-CARR'IAGE, a wheel-carriage mounted on springs; SPRING'-CART, a light cart mounted upon springs; SPRING'ER, a kind of dog of the spaniel class, useful for springing game in copses: one who springs: the bottom stone of an arch; SPRING'-GUN, a gun having wires connected with its trigger, and so fixed and planted as to be discharged when trespassers stumble against the wire; SPRING'-HALT, a jerking lameness in which a horse suddenly twitches up his leg or legs; SPRING'-HAMM'ER, a machine-hammer in which the blow is delivered or augmented by the force of a spring; SPRING'-HEAD, a fountain-head, source: a head or end-piece for a carriage-spring.--_adj._ SPRING'-HEAD'ED (_Spens._), having heads springing afresh.--_ns._ SPRING'-HEELED JACK, one supposed capable of leaping a great height or distance in carrying out mischievous or frolicsome tricks; SPRING'-HOOK, an angler's snap-hook or spear-hook: a latch or door-hook with a spring-catch for keeping it fast in the staple: in a locomotive, a hook fixing the driving-wheel spring to the frame; SPRING'-HOUSE, a house for keeping meat in, or a dairy, built for coolness over a spring or brook; SPRING'INESS; SPRING'ING, the act of springing, leaping, arising, or issuing: (_B._) growth, increase: (_archit._) the lowest part of an arch on both sides; SPRING'-JACK, a device for inserting a loop in a main electric line-circuit, a plug being forced between two spring contacts; SPRING'-LATCH, a latch that snaps into the keeper whenever the door is shut; SPRING'LET, a little spring: a small stream; SPRING'-LIG'AMENT, the inferior calcaneoscaphoid ligament of the sole of the foot; SPRING'-LOCK, a lock which fastens by a spring; SPRING'-MAT'TRESS=_Spring-bed_; SPRING'-NET, a net that closes with a spring; SPRING'-PAD'LOCK, a padlock that snaps itself shut; SPRING'-POLE, a pole whose elasticity serves as a spring; SPRING'-SAD'DLE, a bent iron bar of [Spring-saddle] form on the top of a railway carriage journal-box, surrounding the arch-bar and supporting the spring; SPRING'-SEARCH'ER, a steel-pronged tool to search for defects in the bore of a gun; SPRING'-SHACK'LE, a shackle closed by a spring: a shackle joining one spring of a vehicle with another or with a rigid piece; SPRING'-STAY (_naut._), a smaller stay, placed above the stays as a duplicate if needed; SPRING'-STUD, a rod passed through the axis of a coil-spring to keep it in place; SPRING'-TAIL, one of an order of primitive wingless insects (_Collembola_), so called popularly from a peculiar springing fork usually present on the abdomen; SPRING'-TIDE, the periodical excess of the elevation and depression of the tide, after new and full moon, when both sun and moon act in the same direction; SPRING'-TIDE, -TIME, the season of spring; SPRING'-TOOL, any tool bearing a spring, as a glass-blower's tongs; SPRING'-TRAP, a trap worked by a spring, a mouse-trap, &c.; SPRING'-VALVE, a valve fitted with a spring: a safety-valve connected with a spring-balance; SPRING'-WA'TER, water issuing from a spring; SPRING'-WHEAT, wheat sown in the spring, rather than autumn or winter; SPRING'-WORT, a plant which draws down lightning--perh. the caperspurge.--_adj._ SPRING'Y, pertaining to, or like, a spring, elastic, nimble: abounding with springs.--SPRING A LEAK, to commence leaking; SPRING A MINE, to cause it to explode--often used figuratively; SPRING A RATTLE, to cause a rattle to sound; SPRING AT, to leap at; SPRING FORTH, to come forward with a leap: to shoot up rapidly; SPRING ON, or UPON, to attack with violence. [A.S. _springan_; Ger. _springen_.]

SPRINGE, sprinj, _n._ a snare with a spring-noose: a gin.--_v.t._ to catch in a springe. [Prov. Eng. _springle_--_spring_; cf. Ger. _sprenkel_--_springen_.]

SPRINKLE, spring'kl, _v.t._ to scatter in small drops or particles: to scatter on: to baptise with a few drops of water: to purify.--_v.i._ to scatter in drops.--_n._ an aspersorium or utensil for sprinkling.--_ns._ SPRIN'KLE, SPRIN'KLING, a small quantity sprinkled: in book-binding, the mottling of the edges of trimmed leaves by scattering a few drops of colour on them; SPRIN'KLER. [Freq. formed from A.S. _sprengan_, the causal of _springan_, to spring; cf. Ger. _sprenkeln_.]

SPRINT, sprint, _n._ a short-distance race at full speed.--_v.i._ to run at full speed--also SPRENT.--_ns._ SPRIN'TER, a short-distance runner in races; SPRIN'TING; SPRINT'-RACE; SPRINT'-RUN'NER. [Cf. _Spurt_.]

SPRIT, sprit, _n._ (_naut._) a spar set diagonally to extend a fore-and-aft sail. [A.S. _spreót_, a pole; Dut. and Ger. _spriet_, a bowsprit; conn. with _sprout_.]

SPRITE, spr[=i]t, _n._ a spirit: a shade: a ghost: (_obs._) frame of mind, disposition.--Also SPRIGHT. [A doublet of _spirit_.]

SPRITEFUL, SPRITELY, &c. Same as SPRIGHTFUL, &c.

SPROCKET, sprok'et, _n._ a projection on the periphery of a wheel or capstan for engaging the chain.

SPROD, sprod, _n._ (_prov._) a second-year salmon.

SPRONG, sprong (_Spens._), _pa.t._ of _spring_.

SPROUT, sprowt, _n._ a germ or young shoot: (_pl._) young shoots from old cabbages.--_v.i._ to shoot: to push out new shoots.--_adj._ SPROUT'ED, budded.--BRUSSELS SPROUTS (see BRUSSELS). [According to Skeat, not from A.S. _spreótan_, nor _sprýtan_, but from Old Friesic _spruta_, to sprout, Low Ger. _spruten_, Dut. _spruiten_, Ger. _spriessen_.]

SPRUCE, spr[=oo]s, _adj._ smart: neat, dapper: over-fastidious, finical.--_n._ Prussian leather.--_v.t._ to smarten.--_v.i._ to become spruce or smart.--_n._ SPRUCE'-FIR, or merely SPRUCE, any tree of the genus _Picea_ of the pine family (_Coniferæ_), or the wood of such a tree.--_adv._ SPRUCE'LY.--_n._ SPRUCE'NESS.--_v.t._ SPRU'CIFY, to smarten. [O. Fr. _Pruce_--Late L. _Prussia_, Ger. _Preussen_.]

SPRUCE-BEER, spr[=oo]s'-b[=e]r, _n._ beer flavoured with a decoction of the young shoots of the spruce-fir. [Ger. _sprossen-bier_, _sprossen_, young shoots, Englished as _Pruce-beer_, i.e. Prussian beer.]

SPRUE, spr[=oo], _n._ in casting, one of the passages leading to the mould, also the metal which solidifies in it--_deadhead_.--_n._ SPRUE'-HOLE, ingate or pouring-hole in a mould.

SPRUG, sprug, _v.t._ and _v.i._ (_prov._) to smarten, to dress neatly.

SPRUG, sprug, _n._ (_prov._) a sparrow.

SPRUIT, spr[=oo]'it, _n._ a small head-stream, a stream flowing through a village, dry in summer. [S. Afr. Dut.]

SPRUNG, _pa.t._ and _pa.p._ of _spring_.--_adj._ (_coll._) tipsy, tight.

SPRUNNY, sprun'i, _adj._ (_prov._) neat.--_n._ a sweetheart.

SPRUNT, sprunt, _v.i._ to spring up: sprout, germinate.--_n._ a steep bit in a road: a rebellious curl, &c.--_adv._ SPRUNT'LY, gaily, bravely.--SPRUNT UP, to bristle up.

SPRY, spr[=i], _adj._ vigorous, lively, gay, pert. [Scand.; Sw. prov. _sprygg_, very active.]

SPUD, spud, _n._ a small narrow spade with a short handle: any short thick thing, a baby's hand, a potato, &c.--_adj._ SPUD'DY, short and fat. [Prob. Scand., Dan. _spyd_, a spear.]

SPUE. Same as SPEW.

SPULZIE, SPUILZIE, spül'y[=e], _n._ (_Scot._) spoil.--Also SPUL'YE, SPUL'YIE. [_Spoil_.]

SPUME, sp[=u]m, _n._ scum or froth thrown up by liquid: foam.--_v.i._ to throw up scum: to foam.--_adj._ SP[=U]'M[=E]OUS, frothy.--_n._ SP[=U]MES'CENCE, frothiness.--_adjs._ SP[=U]MES'CENT, foaming; SP[=U]MIF'EROUS, producing foam.--_n._ SP[=U]'MINESS, the quality of being spumy or frothy.--_adjs._ SP[=U]'MOUS, SP[=U]'MY, consisting of froth: frothy: foamy. [L. _spuma_--_spu[)e]re_ to spew.]

SPUN, _pa.t._ and _pa.p._ of spin.--_adj._ SPUN'-OUT, unduly lengthened.--_n._ SPUN'-YARN, rope-yarn twisted into a cord.

SPUNGE, spunj, v. and _n._ a form of _sponge_.

SPUNK, spungk, _n._ touchwood, tinder, a fungus from which tinder is made, punk, amadou: (_Scot._) a small fire, a fiery spark, a lucifer-match: mettle, spirit, pluck.--_v.i._ to take fire, flame up.--_adj._ SPUNK'Y, spirited: fiery-tempered. [Cf. Ir. _sponc_, tinder, sponge--L. _spongia_, a sponge--Gr. _sponggia_.]

SPUR, spur, _n._ an instrument on a horseman's heels, with sharp points for goading the horse: that which goads or instigates: something projecting: the hard projection on a cock's leg: a small range of mountains extending laterally from a larger range.--_v.t._ to urge on with spurs: to urge onward: to impel: to put spurs on.--_v.i._ to press forward: to travel in great haste:--_pr.p._ spur'ring; _pa.t._ and _pa.p._ spurred.--_v.t._ SPUR'-GALL (_Shak._), to gall or wound with a spur.--_ns._ SPUR'-GEAR, -GEAR'ING, gearing in which spur-wheels are used.--_adj._ SPUR'-HEELED, having a long straight hind-claw.--_n._ SPUR'-LEATH'ER, the strap by which the spur is fastened to the foot.--_p.adj._ SPURRED, wearing spurs: having shoots like spurs: affected with ergot, as rye.--_ns._ SPUR'RER, one who, or that which, spurs; SPUR'RIER, one who makes spurs; SPUR'-ROY'AL, an ancient English coin, worth fifteen shillings, so called from having a star on one side resembling the rowel of a spur; SPUR'-WAY, a bridle-road; SPUR'-WHANG=_Spur-leather_; SPUR'-WHEEL (_mech._), a wheel with the cogs on the face of the edge like a spur.--_adj._ SPUR'-WINGED, with a horny spur on the pinion, as with the plovers, &c. [A.S. _spora_; Ice. _spori_, Ger. _sporn_.]

SPURGE, spurj, _n._ a genus of plants of the natural order _Euphorbiaceæ_, all the species containing a resinous milky juice mostly very acrid.--_n._ SPURGE'-LAU'REL, a European evergreen shrub, with yellowish-green flowers, thick leaves, and poisonous berries. [O. Fr. _espurge_ (Fr. _épurge_)--L. _expurg[=a]re_, to purge--_ex_, off, _purg[=a]re_, to clear.]

SPURIÆ, sp[=u]'ri-[=e], _n.pl._ the bastard quills forming the alula in birds.

SPURIOUS, sp[=u]r'i-us, _adj._ illegitimate: bastard: not genuine: false: resembling an organ, but without its function, or having the functions of an organ while morphologically different.--_adv._ SP[=U]R'IOUSLY.--_n._ SP[=U]R'IOUSNESS. [L. _spurius_, false.]

SPURLING=_Sparling_ (q.v.).

SPURN, spurn, _v.t._ to drive away as with the foot: to kick: to reject with disdain.--_n._ disdainful rejection.--_n._ SPURN'ER, one who spurns. [A.S. _speornan_; cog. with _spur_.]

SPURNE, spurn, _v.t._ (_Spens._) to spur.

SPURRY, spur'i, _n._ a plant of the genus _Spergula_. [O. Fr. _sporrie_, of Teut. origin; cf. Ger. _spörgel_.]

SPURT, spurt, _v.t._ to spout, or send out in a sudden stream, as water.--_v.i._ to gush out suddenly in a small stream: to flow out forcibly or at intervals.--_n._ a sudden or violent gush of a liquid from an opening: a jet: a sudden short effort, a special exertion of one's self for a short time, in running, rowing, &c. [Formerly _spirt_--Ice. _sprettr_, a spurt--_spretta_, to start, to sprout.]

SPURTLE, spur'tl, _n._ (_Scot._) a short stick for stirring porridge, broth, &c.--_n._ SPUR'TLE-BLADE, a sword.

SPUTTER, sput'[.e]r, _v.i._ to spit in small drops, as in rapid speaking: to throw out moisture in scattered drops: to speak rapidly and indistinctly, to jabber.--_v.t._ to throw out with haste and noise: to utter hastily and indistinctly.--_n._ moist matter thrown out in particles.--_n._ SPUTT'ERER, one who sputters. [The freq. of _spout_ (q.v.).]

SPUTUM, sp[=u]'tum, _n._ spittle, the matter expectorated:--_pl._ SP[=U]'TA. [L.,--_spu[)e]re_, to spit.]

SPY, sp[=i], _n._ one sent into an enemy's country or camp to find out their strength, &c.: one who keeps a watch on others: one who secretly conveys information.--_v.t._ to see: to discover, generally at a distance: to discover by close search: to inspect secretly:--_pa.t._ and _pa.p._ spied.--_ns._ SPY'AL=_Spial_; SPY'-CRAFT, SPY'ISM, the art or practice of spying; SPY'GLASS, a small hand-telescope; SPY'-HOLE, a peep-hole; SPY'-MON'EY, money paid for secret intelligence. [O. Fr. _espier_--Old High Ger. _speh[=o]n_; L. _spec[)e]re_.]

SPYRE, sp[=i]r, _v.i._ (_Spens._) to shoot forth. [L. _spir[=a]re_, to sprout.]

SQUAB, skwob, _adj._ fat, clumsy: curt, abrupt: unfledged, newly hatched: shy, coy.--_n._ a young pigeon, the young of other animals before the hair or feathers are grown: a short stumpy person: a thickly-stuffed cushion, a sofa padded throughout, an ottoman.--_v.t._ to stuff thickly and sew through, the stitches being concealed by buttons, &c.--_v.i._ to fall heavily.--_adv._ flat: heavily, as a fall.--_adjs._ SQUAB'BISH, thick, heavy; SQUAB'BY, squat.--_ns._ SQUAB'-CHICK, a fledgling; SQUAB'-PIE, a pie made of strips of mutton, onions, and slices of apple. [Prob. Scand.; cf. Sw. dial. _sqvapp_, a word imitative of a splash, _sqvabb_, loose flesh, _sqvabbig_, flabby.]

SQUABASH, skwa-bash', _v.t._ to crush, smash.

SQUABBLE, skwob'l, _v.i._ to dispute in a noisy manner: to wrangle.--_n._ a noisy, petty quarrel: a brawl.--_n._ SQUABB'LER. [Scand., Sw. dial. _skvabbel_, a dispute.]

SQUACCO, skwak'[=o], _n._ a small crested African heron.

SQUAD, skwod, _n._ a small body of men assembled for drill, any small group or company of men.--_n._ SQUAD'RON, a body of cavalry, consisting of two troops, or 120 to 200 men: a body of soldiers drawn up in a square: any regularly ranked body, or a group: section of a fleet, commanded by a flag-officer.--_p.adj._ SQUAD'RONED, formed into squadrons.--AWKWARD SQUAD, a body of recruits not yet competent in drill, &c. [O. Fr. _esquadre_--It. _squadra_, and L. _exquadr[=a]re_, to make square.]

SQUADDY, skwad'i, _adj._ squabby.

SQUAIL, skw[=a]l, _n._ a disc or counter used in the game of squails: (_pl._) a parlour-game in which small discs are snapped from the edge of the table to a centre mark called the _process_: the game of ninepins.--_v.i._ to throw a stick, &c., at any object.--_v.t._ to pelt with sticks, &c.--_n._ SQUAIL'ER, a throwing-stick. [A variant of _kail_.]

SQUALID, skwol'id, _adj._ filthy, foul.--_n._ SQUALID'ITY, the state of being squalid: filthiness.--_adv._ SQUAL'IDLY.--_ns._ SQUAL'IDNESS; SQUAL'OR, state of being squalid: dirtiness: filthiness. [L. _squalidus_--_squal[=e]re_, to be stiff; akin to Gr. _skellein_, to dry.]

SQUALL, skwawl, _v.i._ to cry out violently.--_n._ a loud cry or scream: a violent gust of wind.--_n._ SQUALL'ER.--_adj._ SQUALL'Y, abounding or disturbed with squalls or gusts of wind: gusty, blustering: threatening a squall.--WHITE SQUALL, a tropical whirlwind, coming on without warning other than a small white cloud. [Scand., Sw. _sqvala_, to gush out.]

SQUALLY, skwawl'i, _adj._ irregularly woven: having bare patches, of a field of corn, &c. [Prob. the same as _scally_. Cf. _Scall_.]

SQUALOID, skw[=a]'loid, _adj._ resembling a SQU[=A]'LUS or shark.--_n._ SQU[=A]'LID, one of the _Squalidæ_, a family of sharks.--_adj._ SQU[=A]'LIFORM, having the form of a shark. [L. _squalus_, a shark.]

SQUAMA, skw[=a]'ma, _n._ a scale: the bractea of a deciduous spike, any scaly bracted leaf:--_pl._ SQU[=A]'MÆ.--_n.pl._ SQU[=A]M[=A]'TA, a division of reptiles, including lizards and serpents.--_adjs._ SQU[=A]'MATE, SQU[=A]'MOUS, SQUAM[=A]'CEOUS, SQU[=A]'MOSE, covered with, or consisting of, scales: scaly.--_ns._ SQU[=A]ME, a scale or squama; SQU[=A]MEL'LA, a small scale.--_adjs._ SQU[=A]MIF'EROUS, SQU[=A]MIG'EROUS, bearing squamæ or scales; SQU[=A]'MIFORM, SQU[=A]'MOID, like a scale.--_ns._ SQU[=A]M[=O]'SAL, the squamous portion of the temporal bone; SQUAM'ULA, a very small scale--also SQUAM'ULE.--_adjs._ SQUAM'ULATE, SQUAM'ULIFORM. [L. _squamosus_--_squama_, a scale.]

SQUANDER, skwon'd[.e]r, _v.t._ to spend lavishly or wastefully: to waste money or powers.--_n._ SQUAN'DERER.--_adv._ SQUAN'DERINGLY, in a squandering manner, by squandering. [Skeat explains as a nasalised form of Lowland Scotch _squatter_, to splash water about, prov. Eng. _swatter_, to throw water about. These are frequentatives from Dan. _sqvatte_, to splash, spurt, squander; Sw. _sqvätta_, to squirt, _Ice_. _skvetta_, to squirt out water.]

SQUARE, skw[=a]r; _adj._ having four equal sides and angles: forming a right angle: having a straight front or an outline formed by straight lines: exact suitable, fitting: true, that does equal justice, fair, honest: even, leaving no balance, settled, as accounts: directly opposed, complete, unequivocal: solid, full, satisfying.--_n._ that which is square: a square figure: a four-sided space enclosed by houses: a square body of troops: the length of the side of any figure squared: an instrument for measuring right angles: (_arith_.) the product of a quantity multiplied by itself: due proportion, order, honesty, equity, fairness.--_v.t._ to form like a square: to form with four equal sides and angles: (_arith_.) to multiply by itself: to reduce to any given measure or standard, to adjust, regulate: (_naut_.) to place at right angles with the mast or keel.--_v.i._ to suit, fit: to accord or agree: to take an attitude of offence and defence, as a boxer.--_adj._ SQUARE'-BUILT, of a square build or shape.--_adv._ SQUARE'LY, in a square form or manner.--_ns._ SQUARE'-MEAS'URE, a system of measures applied to surfaces, of which the unit is the square of the lineal unit; SQUARE'NESS.--_adj._ SQUARE'-PIERCED (_her_.), designating a charge perforated with a square opening so as to show the field.--_n._ SQU[=A]'RER, one who, or that which, squares: (_Shak._) a fighting, quarrelsome person.--_adj._ SQUARE'-RIGGED, having the chief sails square, and extended by yards suspended by the middle at right angles to the masts--opposed to _Fore-and-aft_.--_ns._ SQUARE'-ROOT, that root which being multiplied into itself produces the given number or quantity; SQUARE'-SAIL, a four-sided sail extended by yards suspended by the middle at right angles to the mast.--_adj._ SQUARE'-TOED.--_n._ SQUARE'-TOES, an old-fashioned, punctilious person.--_adj._ SQU[=A]'RISH.--SQUARE THE CIRCLE, to determine the area of a circle in square measure.--ON THE SQUARE, honestly. [O. Fr. _esquarre_ (Fr. _équerre_)--L. _ex-quadr[=a]re_, to square--_quadrus_, conn. with _quatuor_, four.]

SQUARROSE, skwär'[=o]s, _adj._ rough, with projecting or deflexed scales.--_adj._ SQUARR'ULOSE, diminutively squarrose.

SQUARSON, skwär'sn, _n._ one who is both a beneficed clergyman and a squire or land-owner in a parish.--_n._ SQUAR'SONAGE, the residence of such.

SQUASH, skwosh, _v.t._ to press into pulp: to crush flat.--_v.i._ to form a soft mass as from a fall: to make a noise similar to such.--_n._ a sudden fall or shock of soft bodies: anything soft and easily crushed, anything soft or unripe, as a peascod.--_ns._ SQUASH'ER; SQUASH'INESS, state of being squashy.--_adj._ SQUASH'Y, like a squash: muddy. [O. Fr. _esquacher_ (Fr. _écacher_), to crush--L. _ex_, out, _coact[=a]re_, to restrain--_cog[)e]re_, _coactum_, to drive together.]

SQUASH, skwosh, _n._ a term loosely used, esp. in the United States, for two or three kinds of gourd, including the pumpkin. [Amer. Ind. _asquash_ (pl. of _asq_), green.]

SQUAT, skwot, _v.i._ to sit down upon the hams or heels: to cower, as an animal: to settle on new land without title:--_pr.p._ squat'ting; _pa.t._ and _pa.p._ squat'ted.--_adj._ short and thick, dumpy, clumsy.--_ns._ SQUATOC'RACY, the squatters of Australia collectively; SQUAT'TER, a settler on new land without title: one who leases pasture-land from the government; SQUAT'TINESS.--_v.i._ SQUAT'TLE (_Scot._), to squat down.--_adj._ SQUAT'TY, very short and thick. [O. Fr. _esquatir_, to crush--L. _ex-_, _coactus_, pa.p. of _cog[)e]re_, to drive together.]

SQUATTER, skwot'[.e]r, _v.i._ to plunge through water.

SQUAW, skwaw, _n._ an American Indian woman, esp. a wife.--_n._ SQUAW'MAN, a white man with an Indian wife.

SQUEAK, skw[=e]k, _v.i._ to utter a shrill and usually short cry.--_n._ a sudden, shrill cry.--_v.i._ SQUAWK, to utter a harsh cry: (_U.S._) to back out in a mean way.--_n._ a loud squeak.--_n._ SQUEAK'ER, one who squeaks: a young bird.--_adv._ SQUEAK'INGLY.--A NARROW SQUEAK, a narrow escape. [Imit.; cf. Sw. _sqväka_, to croak, Ger. _quieken_, to squeak.]

SQUEAL, skw[=e]l, _v.i._ to utter a shrill and prolonged sound: to turn informer.--_n._ a shrill loud cry.--_n._ SQUEAL'ER, a young pigeon: an informer. [Scand.; Sw. dial. _sqväla_, to cry out.]

SQUEAMISH, skw[=e]m'ish, _adj._ sickish at stomach: easily disgusted or offended: fastidious in taste.--_adv._ SQUEAM'ISHLY.--_n._ SQUEAM'ISHNESS. [Scand.; Ice. _sveimr_, stir; prob. also influenced by qualmish.]

SQUEEGEE, skw[=e]'j[=e], _n._ a wooden implement edged with rubber for clearing water away from decks, floors, windows, &c.: a photographer's roller for squeezing the moisture from a print--also SQUIL'GEE.--_v.t._ to smooth down with a squeegee.

SQUEEZE, skw[=e]z, _v.t._ to crush or press between two bodies: to embrace closely: to force through a small hole: to cause to pass: to extort, oppress, harass.--_v.i._ to push between close bodies: to press: to crowd.--_n._ act of squeezing: pressing between bodies: an impression of an inscription, &c., made by taking a rubbing.--_n._ SQUEEZABIL'ITY.--_adj._ SQUEEZ'ABLE.--_ns._ SQUEEZ'ER, one who, or that which, squeezes: (_pl._) playing-cards having the number of spots marked in the right-hand corner of each; SQUEEZ'ING, the act of exerting pressure.--_adj._ SQUEEZ'Y, suggesting squeezing, small, contracted. [M. E. _queisen_--A.S. _cwísan_.]

SQUELCH, skwelch, _n._ a heavy blow or a heavy fall.--_v.t._ to crush down.

SQUIB, skwib, _n._ a paper tube filled with combustibles, thrown up into the air burning and bursting: a petty lampoon.--_v.t._ to aim squibs at: to lampoon.--_v.i._ to write lampoons: to use squibs: to sound like a squib exploding. [Scand.; Ice. _svipa_, to flash.]

SQUID, skwid, _n._ a kind of cuttle-fish or calamary: a lure used in trolling for fish.--_v.i._ to fish with a squid or spoon-bait.

SQUIGGLE, skwig'l, _v.i._ (_U.S._) to squirm, wriggle: (_prov_.) to rinse out the mouth with a liquid.

SQUILGEE. See SQUEEGEE.

SQUILL, skwil, _n._ a genus of bulbous-rooted plants of order _Liliaceæ_, with radical leaves, and flowers in terminal racemes or loose corymbs--the officinal Squill is diuretic and expectorant.--_adj._ SQUILLIT'IC. [Fr. _squille_--L. _squilla_, _scilla_--Gr. _skilla_.]

SQUINCH, skwinch, _n._ a small stone arch, or series of arches, across an interior angle of a square tower to support the sides of an octagonal spire.

SQUINNY, skwin'i, _v.i._ (_Shak._) to look asquint.

SQUINT, skwint, _adj._ looking obliquely: having the vision distorted.--_v.i._ to look obliquely: to have the vision distorted.--_v.t._ to cause to squint.--_n._ act or habit of squinting: an oblique look: distortion of vision: a hagioscope, a narrow aperture cut in the wall of a church (generally about two feet wide) to enable persons standing in the side-chapels, &c., to see the elevation of the host at the high-altar.--_n._ SQUINT'-EYE, an eye that squints.--_adj._ SQUINT'-EYED, looking obliquely: oblique, malignant.--_n._ SQUINT'ING, technically _Strabismus_, a common deformity which may be defined as a want of parallelism in the visual axes, when the patient endeavours to direct both eyes to an object at the same time.--_adv._ SQUINT'INGLY. [Scand.; Sw. _svinka_, to shrink, a nasalised form of _svika_, to fail.]

SQUIRE, skw[=i]r, _n._ an esquire, a knight's attendant: a beau or gallant: a country gentleman, an owner of land in England, esp. if of old family: (_U.S._) one who has been a justice of the peace, &c.--_ns._ SQUIRE'AGE, SQUIRE'ARCHY, landed gentry collectively.--_adj._ SQUIRE'ARCHAL.--_ns._ SQUIREEN', a gentleman farmer, one almost a squire; SQUIRE'HOOD, the state or rank of a squire--also SQUIRE'SHIP.--_adjs._ SQUIRE'-LIKE, SQUIRE'LY, like or becoming a squire.--_ns._ SQUIRE'LING, a squire of small possessions; SQUIREOC'RACY, government by the landed classes; SQU[=I]R'ESS, a squire's wife. [_Esquire_.]

SQUIRE, skw[=i]r, _n._ (_Shak._) a square. [_Square_.]

SQUIRM, skwirm, _v.i._ to wriggle or writhe, to climb by wriggling up: to escape with any awkward evasion or lie. [A variant of _squir_=_whir_.]

SQUIRREL, skwir'el, _n._ a nimble, reddish-brown, rodent little animal with hairy tail and large eyes, mainly of arboreal habit.--_ns._ SQUIRR'EL-FISH, a holocentroid tropical fish; SQUIRR'EL-TAIL, any one of several grasses of the genus _Hordeum_, with long hair-like awns: a cap of squirrel-skins, with a tail hanging down behind. [O. Fr. _escurel_--Low L. _scurellus_, dim. of L. _sciurus_--Gr. _skiouros_--_skia_, shade, _oura_, tail.]

SQUIRT, skw[.e]rt, _v.t._ to throw out water in a stream from a narrow opening.--_n._ a small instrument for squirting: a small, quick stream.--_n._ SQUIRT'ER. [Skeat says the _r_ appears to be intrusive; allied to prov. Eng. _squitter_, to squirt, and _squitter_, diarrhoea. From Sw. dial. _skvittär_, to sprinkle all round, freq. of _skwitta_, to squirt, Sw. _sqvätta_, to squirt; cf. Dan. _sqvatte_, to splash.]

SQUITCH, skwich, _n._ quitch-grass.

SRADDHA, srä'da, _n._ the offering of rice and flowers to the manes of a deceased ancestor. [Sans.]

STAB, stab, _v.t._ to wound with a pointed weapon: to wound: to injure secretly, or by slander: to roughen a brick wall with a pick so as to hold plaster: to pierce folded sheets, near their back edges, for the passage of thread or wire.--_v.i._ to give a stab or a mortal wound:--_pr.p._ stab'bing; _pa.t._ and _pa.p._ stabbed.--_n._ a wound with a pointed weapon: an injury given secretly.--_n._ STAB'BER, one who stabs.--_adv._ STAB'BINGLY. [Gael. _stob_, a stake.]

STABAT MATER, st[=a]'bat m[=a]'t[.e]r, _n._ a Latin hymn on the seven dolours of the Virgin, ascribed to Jacopone da Todi, a 13th-cent. Minorite: a musical setting of this sequence. [Its opening words.]

STABLE, st[=a]'bl, _adj._ that stands firm: firmly established: durable: firm in purpose or character: constant, unchangeable.--_ns._ STABIL'ITY, state of being stable: steadiness; ST[=A]'BLENESS.--_adv._ ST[=A]'BLY. [Fr.,--L. _stabilis_--_st[=a]re_, to stand.]

STABLE, st[=a]'bl, _n._ a building for horses and cattle.--_v.t._ to put or keep in a stable.--_v.i._ to dwell in a stable.--_ns._ ST[=A]'BLE-BOY, -MAN, a boy, or man, who attends in a stable; ST[=A]'BLER, a stable-keeper; ST[=A]'BLE-ROOM, room for stabling horses or cattle; ST[=A]'BLING, act of putting into a stable: accommodation for horses and cattle. [O. Fr. _estable_ (Fr. _étable_)--L. _stabulum_--_st[=a]re_, to stand.]

STABLISH, stab'lish, _v.t._ old form of _establish_.--_n._ STAB'LISHMENT=_Establishment_.

STACCATO, stak-kä'to, _adj._ (_mus._) with the notes to be played in an abrupt, disconnected manner--opp. to _Legato_: marked by abrupt emphasis: giving a clear distinct sound to each note.--_adj._ STACCATIS'SIMO, as staccato as possible. [It., from _staccare_, for _distaccare_, to separate.]

STACHYS, st[=a]'kis, _n._ a genus of _Labiatæ_, containing the Hedge-nettle, the Woundwort, and according to some botanists the Common Betony or Wood Betony. [L.,--Gr. _stachys_, an ear of corn.]

STACK, stak, _n._ a large pile of bay, corn, wood, &c.: a number of chimneys standing together: a pyramid formed by a number of muskets with fixed bayonets interlocked and the stocks spread widely apart.--_v.t._ to pile into a stack: to make up cards for cheating.--_ns._ STACK'-STAND, a frame of wood, iron, or stone, supported on short props, for building a stack upon; STACK'YARD, a yard for stacks. [Scand.; Ice. _stakkr_, a stack of hay.]

STACTE, stak'te, _n._ a Jewish spice, liquid myrrh.

STACTOMETER, stak-tom'e-t[.e]r, _n._ a tube with a small hole at the bottom for measuring a liquid in drops.--Also STALAGMOM'ETER. [Gr. _staktos_, dropping, _metron_, a measure.]

STADDA, stad'a, _n._ a double-bladed hand-saw for cutting the teeth of combs.

STADDLE, stad'l, _n._ anything that serves for support: a staff or crutch: a stack-stand: a small tree. [A.S. _stathol_, foundation; Ger. _stadel_.]

STADE=_Stadium_ (q.v.).

STADIA, st[=a]'di-a, _n._ a temporary surveying station: an instrument for measuring distances.--_n._ STADIOM'ETER, a self-recording theodolite.

STADIUM, st[=a]'di-um, _n._ a Greek measure of length, 600 podes=582 English feet, the Greek foot being .971 of an English foot:--_pl._ ST[=A]'DIA.

STADTHOLDER, stad-h[=o]l'd[.e]r, _n._ a barbarous English form of the Dutch _Stadhouder_, 'stead-holder,' of which the French _lieu-tenant_ is a literal translation, _Statthalter_ being the corresponding German.

STAFF, staf, _n._ a stick carried for support or defence: a prop: a long piece of wood: pole: a flagstaff: the long handle of an instrument: a stick or ensign of authority: the five lines and spaces on which music is written: a stanza (the previous meanings have _pl._ STAFFS or STAVES, st[=a]vz): a body of skilled officers whose duty it is, under orders from the commanding officers of various grades, to arrange the movements and supply of the various bodies which go to make up an army: a similar body of persons in any undertaking, acting under a manager or chief (the last two meanings have _pl._ STAFFS, stafs).--_ns._ STAFF'-CAPTAIN, the senior grade in the navigating branch in the British navy; STAFF'-COLL'EGE, a college where military officers are trained in the higher branches of professional knowledge, and prepared for holding staff-appointments; STAFF'-CORPS, a body of intelligent officers and men who performed engineering and siege duties, made reconnaissances, &c. during the wars of Wellington; (INDIAN) a body of British officers serving on the permanent Indian establishment, appointed from it to do duty with native regiments, &c.; STAFF'-D[=U]'TY, the occupation of an officer who serves on a staff, having been detached from his regiment; STAFF'-NOT[=A]'TION, musical notation in which a staff is used, as opposed to the tonic-solfa system; STAFF'-SUR'GEON, a navy surgeon of senior grade; STAFF'-SYS'TEM, a block-system in use on single-line railways in which the station-master gives the engine-driver a staff authorising him to proceed over a given portion. [A.S. _stæf_; Ice. _stafr_, Ger. _stab_.]

STAG, stag, _n._ the male deer, esp. one of the red deer:--_fem._ _Hind_: a speculator who applies for shares or stock in new concerns quoted at a premium, hoping to obtain an allotment and secure a profit without holding the stock, one who sells new securities quoted at a premium before allotment.--_v.t._ to follow, to dog, to shadow.--_v.i._ to act as a stag on the stock-exchange.--_ns._ STAG'-BEE'TLE, a genus of Lamellicorn beetles, nearly allied to the Scarabees, the males with large projecting mandibles; STAG'-DANCE, -PART'Y, a dance or party of men only; STAG'HOUND, a name applied both to the buck-hound and the Scottish deer-hound. [Ice. _steggr_, a male animal, _stiga_, to mount.]

STAGE, st[=a]j, _n._ an elevated platform, esp. in a theatre: the theatre: theatrical representations, the theatrical calling: any place of exhibition or performance: a place of rest on a journey or road: distance between places: degree of progress.--_v.t._ to represent or place for representation on the stage.--_ns._ STAGE'-COACH, a coach that runs regularly with passengers from stage to stage; STAGE'-CRAFT, skill in putting a play on the stage; STAGE'-DOOR, the actors' entrance to a theatre; STAGE'-DRIV'ER, one who drives a stage; STAGE'-EFFECT', theatrical effect; STAGE'-F[=E]'VER, a passion to go on the stage; STAGE'-FRIGHT, nervousness before an audience, esp. for the first time; STAGE'-MAN'AGER, one who superintends the production of plays, and has general charge of everything behind the curtain; STAGE'-PLAY, a play for representation on a stage; STAGE'-PLAY'ER, a player on the stage; ST[=A]'GER, a stage-horse: one who has had much experience in anything.--_adj._ STAGE'-STRUCK, sorely smitten with stage-fever.--_ns._ STAGE'-WAG'ON, a wagon for conveying goods and passengers at fixed times; STAGE'-WHIS'PER, a loud whisper, as that of an actor meant to be heard by the audience.--_adjs._ ST[=A]'GEY, ST[=A]'GY, suggesting the stage, theatrical.--_ns._ ST[=A]'GINESS; ST[=A]'GING, a structure for workmen in building. [O. Fr. _estage_ (Fr. _étage_), a story of a house, through a L. form _staticus_, from _st[=a]re_, to stand.]

STAGGER, stag'[.e]r, _v.i._ to reel from side to side: to begin to give way: to begin to doubt: to hesitate.--_v.t._ to cause to reel: to cause to doubt or hesitate: to shock.--_adv._ STAGG'ERINGLY.--_n._ STAGG'ERS, a popular term applied to several diseases of horses.--GRASS, or STOMACH, STAGGERS, an acute indigestion; MAD, or SLEEPY, STAGGERS, an inflammation of the brain. [Ice. _stakra_, to push, freq. of _staka_, to push.]

STAGIRITE, STAGYRITE, staj'i-r[=i]t, _adj._ pertaining to _Stageira_ in Macedonia.--_n._ a native or inhabitant thereof, esp. Aristotle (384-322 B.C.).

STAGNANT, stag'nant, _adj._ stagnating: not flowing: motionless: impure from being motionless: not brisk: dull.--_n._ STAG'NANCY, the state of being stagnant.--_adv._ STAG'NANTLY.--_v.i._ STAG'NATE, to cease to flow: to become dull or motionless.--_n._ STAGN[=A]'TION, act of stagnating: state of being stagnant or motionless: dullness. [L. _stagnans_, _-antis_, pr.p. of _stagn[=a]re_.]

STAHLIANISM, stäl'i-an-izm, _n._ the doctrines of Georg Ernst _Stahl_, a German physician (1660-1734), who held that there exists a mysterious force residing in, but independent of, matter, not only forming the body, but directing it in all its functions--also STAHL'ISM.--_adj._ STAHL'IAN.

STAID, st[=a]d, _adj._ steady: sober: grave.--_adv._ STAID'LY.--_n._ STAID'NESS. [For _stayed_--_stay_.]

STAIG, st[=a]g, _n._ (_Scot._) a young horse, a stallion.

STAIN, st[=a]n, _v.t._ to tinge or colour: to give a different colour to: to impregnate, as a tissue, with some substance whose reaction colours some parts but not others, thus making form or structure plainly visible: to dye: to mark with guilt or infamy: to bring reproach on: to sully: to tarnish.--_v.i._ to take or impart a stain.--_n._ a discoloration: a spot: taint of guilt: cause of reproach: shame.--_n._ STAIN'ER, one who stains or blots: a dyer.--_adj._ STAIN'LESS, without or free from stain.--_adv._ STAIN'LESSLY.--_n._ STAIN'LESSNESS.--STAINED GLASS, glass painted with certain pigments fused into its surface. [Short for _distain_--O. Fr. _desteindre_--L. _dis-_, away, _ting[)e]re_, to dye.]

STAIR, st[=a]r, _n._ a series of steps for ascending to a higher level: one of such steps: a flight of steps, only in _pl._: (_Spens._) a degree.--_ns._ STAIR'-CAR'PET, carpet suitable for stairs; STAIR'CASE, a flight of stairs with balusters, &c.; STAIR'-ROD, one of a number of metallic rods for holding a stair-carpet in its place.--_adv._ DOWN'STAIRS, in the lower part of a house--opp. to _Upstairs_.--BACK-STAIRS, adjectively for secret, underhand; BELOW STAIRS, in a lower story, in the basement. [A.S. _st['æ]ager_--_stígan_, to ascend; Ger. _steigen_, to climb, Ice. _stegi_, a step.]

STAITH, STATHE, st[=a]th, _n._ (_prov._) the extremity of a line of rails laid on a platform, for discharging coals, &c., into vessels. [A.S. _stæth_, _steth_, bank.]

STAKE, st[=a]k, _n._ a strong stick pointed at one end: one of the upright pieces of a fence: a post to which an animal is tied, esp. that to which a martyr was tied to be burned: martyrdom: a tinsmith's anvil: anything pledged in a wager: a prize, anything to gain or lose.--_v.t._ to fasten, or pierce with a stake: to mark the bounds of with stakes (often with off and out): to wager, to hazard.--_ns._ STAKE'-HOLD'ER, the person with whom the stakes in a wager are deposited; STAKE'-NET, a form of fishing-net hung on stakes.--AT STAKE, hazarded, in danger. [A.S. _staca_, a stake.]

STALACTITE, sta-lak't[=i]t, _n._ a deposit of carbonate of lime, hanging like an icicle from the roof of a cavern, formed by the dripping of water.--_adjs._ STALAC'TIC, -AL, STALACTIT'IC, -AL, having the form or properties of a stalactite; STALAC'TIFORM, like a stalactite. [Gr. _stalaktos_--_stalazein_, to drip.]

STALAGMITE, sta-lag'm[=i]t, _n._ a deposit of carbonate of lime, &c., on the floor of a cavern, usually cylindrical or conical in form, caused by the dripping from the roof of water holding some substance in solution; it is the counterpart to a _Stalactite_, and both are often fused together, forming a _Stalactitic column_.--_adjs._ STALAGMIT'IC, -AL, having the form of stalagmites.--_adv._ STALAGMIT'ICALLY. [Gr. _stalagmos_, a dropping--_stalazein_, to drip.]

STAL'D, st[=a]ld, _pa.p._ (_Spens._) stolen, taken. [_Steal_.]

STALDER, stal'd[.e]r, _n._ (_prov._) a pile of wood: a cask-stand.

STALE, st[=a]l, _adj._ too long kept: tainted: vapid or tasteless from age, as beer: not new: worn out by age: decayed: no longer fresh, trite: in athletics, over-trained, hence unfit, as in 'gone stale.'--_n._ anything become stale: urine of cattle, &c.: (_Shak._) a whore.--_v.t._ to render insipid, to make common.--_v.i._ to make water, as beasts.--_adv._ STALE'LY.--_n._ STALE'NESS. [Prov. Eng. _stale_, conn. with Old Dut. _stel_, old. Skeat makes _stale_ that which reminds one of the stable, tainted, &c.--Sw. _stalla_, to put into a stall, also to stale (as cattle)--Sw. _stall_, a stable.]

STALE, st[=a]l, _n._ something offered or exhibited as an allurement to draw others to any place or purpose: (_Spens._) a decoy, a gull: (_Shak._) a dupe, laughing-stock.--_n._ STALL, a thief's assistant. [A.S. _stalu_, theft--_stelan_, to steal.]

STALE, st[=a]l, _n._ the handle of anything, a stalk. [A.S. _stæl_, _stel_, a stalk.]

STALEMATE, st[=a]l'm[=a]t, _n._ in chess-playing, the position of the king when he cannot move without being placed in check.--_v.t._ to put into a condition of stalemate: to bring to a standstill.

STALK, stawk, _n._ the stem of a plant: the stem on which a flower or fruit grows: the stem of a quill: the handle of anything, the stem: a tall chimney.--_p.adj._ STALKED, having a stalk.--_adjs._ STALK'-EYED, podophthalmous, as a crustacean; STALK'LESS, having no stalk; STALK'Y, hard as a stalk: resembling a stalk. [An extension of A.S. _stæl_, _stel_ (cf. Ice. _stilkr_, Dan. _stilk_); cog. with Ger. _stiel_, which is allied to, perh. borrowed from, L. _stilus_, a stake.]

STALK, stawk, _v.i._ to walk as on stilts: to walk with long, slow steps: to walk behind a stalking-horse: to pursue game by approaching behind covers.--_v.t._ to approach secretly in order to kill, as deer.--_n._ a stately step: the pursuit of game by stealthy approach.--_ns._ STALK'ER, one who stalks, as a deer-stalker: a kind of fishing-net: (_pl._) the Gradatores; STALK'ING, the act of approaching game warily or behind a cover; STALK'ING-HORSE, a horse behind which a sportsman hides while stalking game: a mask or pretence. [A.S. _stælcan_, to walk cautiously, _stealc_, high; Dan. _stalke_, to walk with long steps.]

STALKOES, staw'k[=o]z, _n.pl._ walking gentlemen. [Ir. _stalcaire_, a bully.]

STALL, stawl, _n._ a place where a horse or other animal stands and is fed: a division of a stable for a single animal: a stable: a bench or table on which articles are exposed for sale: one of the seats in churches reserved for the clergy and choir, usually lining the choir or chancel on both sides, also an office entitling one to such a seat, or its stipend: a reserved seat in a theatre, usually one of those in the front division of the parquet--_orchestra stalls_.--_v.t._ to put or keep in a stall.--_v.i._ to inhabit.--_n._ STALL'AGE, liberty of erecting stalls in a fair or market: rent paid for this liberty.--_adj._ STALLED, kept or fed in a stall, fatted.--_v.t._ STALL'-FEED, to feed and fatten in a stall or stable.--_ns._ STALL'ING (_Tenn._) stabling; STALL'INGER (_prov._), a keeper of a stall; STALL'MAN, one who keeps a stall for the sale of any article; STALL'-READER, one who stands and reads books at a bookstall. [A.S. _steal_; Ice. _stallr_, Ger. _stall_.]

STALLION, stal'yun, _n._ an uncastrated male horse, esp. one kept for breeding. [O. Fr. _estalon_ (Fr. _étalon_)--Late L. _equus ad stallum_, a horse at stall.]

STALWART, stawl'wart, _adj._ stout, strong, sturdy: determined in one's partisanship.--_n._ a resolute person.--(_arch._) STAL'WORTH.--_adv._ STAL'WARTLY.--_n._ STAL'WARTNESS--(_arch._) STAL'WORTHINESS. [M. E. _stalworth_--A.S. _stæl-wyrthe_, serviceable. Prob. _stathol_,foundation, _weorth_, good, worth.]

STAM, stam, _v.t._ (_prov._) to confound.--_n._ confusion.

STAMEN, st[=a]'men, _n._ one of the male organs of a flower which produce the pollen:--_pl._ ST[=A]'MENS.--_adj._ ST[=A]'MENED, having stamens.--_n._ STAM'INA (prop. _pl._), the principal strength of anything: the firm part of a body which supports the whole.--_adjs._ STAM'INAL, STAMIN'[=E]OUS, consisting of or possessing stamens: pertaining to, or attached to, the stamen: apetalous, as certain flowers; STAM'INATE, -D, having or producing stamens; STAMINIF'EROUS, STAMINIG'EROUS, bearing or having stamens.--_ns._ STAM'INODE, STAMIN[=O]'DIUM, an abortive stamen; STAM'INODY, a condition of flowers in which sepals, pistils, &c. are metamorphosed into stamens. [L. _stamen_ (pl. _stamina_)--_st[=a]re_, to stand.]

STAMMEL, stam'el, _n._ a kind of woollen cloth, dull red in colour: red colour.--_adj._ made of stammel, or like it in colour. [Earlier _stamin_--O. Fr. _estamine_--Low L. _stamina_--L. _stamineus_, _stamen_, a thread.]

STAMMEL, stam'el, _n._ (_prov._) a stumbling horse: a bouncing girl.

STAMMER, stam'[.e]r, _v.i._ to halt in one's speech, the result of failure in co-ordinate action of certain muscles and their appropriate nerves: to falter in speaking: to stutter.--_v.t._ to utter with hesitation.--_n._ hesitation in speech: defective utterance.--_ns._ STAMM'ERER; STAMM'ERING.--_adv._ STAMM'ERINGLY. [A.S. _stamor_; Dut. _stameren_.]

STAMNOS, stam'nos, _n._ an ancient Greek short-necked, two-handled wine-vase. [Gr.]

STAMP, stamp, _v.t._ to strike with the sole of the foot, by thrusting it down: to impress with some mark or figure: to imprint: to fix deeply: to coin: to form: to pound, bray, crush, bruise.--_v.i._ to step or plant the foot firmly down.--_n._ the act of stamping: the mark made by pressing something on a soft body: an instrument for making impressions on other bodies: that which is stamped: an official mark put on things chargeable with duty, as proof that the duty is paid: an instrument for cutting materials into a certain shape by a downward pressure: cast, form, character: distinguishing mark, imprint, sign, evidence: a species of heavy pestle, raised by water or steam power, for crushing and pulverising ores: (_pl._) stamp-duties: (_slang_) money, esp. paper money.--_ns._ STAMP'-ACT, an act for regulating stamp-duties; STAMP'-COLLECT'OR, an officer who collects stamp-duties: one who makes a collection of postage or other stamps; STAMP'-D[=U]'TY, a tax imposed on the paper on which legal documents are written; STAMP'ER; STAMP'ING; STAMP'ING-MACHINE', a machine used for stamping coins, in the stamping of brass-work, or in crushing metallic ores; STAMP'-, STAMP'ING-MILL, a crushing-mill for ores; STAMP'-NOTE, a certificate from a custom-house officer for goods to be loaded as freight of a ship; STAMP'-OFF'ICE, an office where stamp-duties are received and stamps issued.--STAMP OUT, to extinguish, extirpate. [A.S. _stempan_; Ger. _stampfen_.]

STAMPEDE, stam-p[=e]d', _n._ a sudden fright seizing a herd of horses or other cattle, causing them to run: flight, or any sudden confused movement of a multitude, caused by panic.--_v.i._ to scamper off in panic. [Sp. _estampido_, a crash--_estampar_, to stamp.]

STANCE, stans, _n._ (_Scot._) a station, site, stand.

STANCH, stänsh, _v.t._ to stop the flowing of, as blood: to quench, allay.--_v.i._ (_B._) to cease to flow.--_adj._ constant: trusty: zealous: sound, strong, firm.--_n._ STANCH'ER.--_adj._ STANCH'LESS (_Shak._), that cannot be stanched or stopped.--_adv._ STANCH'LY.--_n._ STANCH'NESS. [O. Fr. _estancher_ (Fr. _étancher_)--Low L. _stanc[=a]re_, to stanch--L. _stagn[=a]re_, to be or make stagnant.]

STANCH, stänsh, _adj._ Same as STAUNCH.

STANCHION, stan'shun, _n._ an upright iron bar of a window or screen: (_naut._) an upright beam used as a support.--_v.t._ to fasten by means of or to a stanchion.--A Scotch form is STAN'CHEL. [O. Fr. _estançon_--_estancer_, to stop, _estance_--Low L. _stantia_--L. _st[=a]re_, to stand.]

STAND, stand, _v.i._ to cease to move: to be stationary: to occupy a certain position: to stagnate: to be at rest: to be fixed in an upright position, to be erect, to be on the feet--as opposed to _sit_, _lie_, _kneel_, &c.: to become or remain erect: to have a position or rank: to be in a particular state, to be with relation to something else: to maintain an attitude: to be fixed or firm: to keep one's ground: to remain unimpaired: to endure, to be consistent: to consist: to depend or be supported: to offer one's self as a candidate: to have a certain direction: to hold a course at sea.--_v.t._ to endure: to sustain: to suffer: to abide by: to be at the expense of, to offer and pay for:--_pa.t._ and _pa.p._ stood.--_ns._ STAND'ER; STAND'ER-BY (_Shak._), a spectator; STAND'ER-UP, one who stands up or who takes a side.--_adj._ STAND'ING, established: settled: permanent: fixed: stagnant: being erect.--_n._ continuance: existence: place to stand in: position in society: a right or capacity to sue or maintain an action.--_n._ STAND'ING-GROUND, a place on which to stand, any basis or principle on which one rests.--_n.pl._ STAND'ING-OR'DERS, the name given to permanent regulations made by either House of Parliament for the conduct of its proceedings, and enduring from parliament to parliament unless rescinded.--_ns._ STAND'ING-POOL (_Shak._), a pool of stagnant water; STAND'ING-RIG'GING, the ropes in a ship that remain fixed; STAND'ING-ROOM, place in which to stand.--_n.pl._ STAND'ING-STONES, monoliths of unhewn stone, erected singly or in groups.--_n._ STAND'ISH, a standing dish for pen and ink.--_adj._ STAND'-OFF, holding others off, reserved--also STAND'-OFF'ISH.--_ns._ STAND'-OFF'ISHNESS, a distant, reserved, and haughty manner; STAND'-PIPE, a vertical pipe at a reservoir, into which the water is pumped up so as to give it a head: a small pipe inserted into an opening in a water-main: a pipe permitting expansion, as of hot water: a pipe sufficiently high for its contents to be forced into a boiler against the steam-pressure; STAND'-POINT, a station or position from which objects are viewed: a basis or fundamental principle according to which things are compared and judged; STAND'STILL, a standing without moving forward: a stop.--_adj._ STAND'-UP, standing erect: done standing, noting a fair boxing-match.--STAND AGAINST, to resist; STAND BY, to support; STAND FAST, to be unmoved; STAND FIRE, to remain steady under the fire of an enemy--also figuratively; STAND FOR, to be a candidate for: (_naut._) to direct the course towards; STAND FROM, to direct the course from; STAND IN, to cost; STAND IN WITH, to have a secret understanding with, as policemen with publicans; STAND LOW (_print._), to fall short of the standard height; STAND OFF, to keep at a distance: to direct the course from: (_Shak._) to forbear compliance or intimacy; STAND OFF AND ON, to sail away from shore and then towards it; STAND ON, to continue on the same tack or course: (_Shak._) to be satisfied or convinced of; STAND ONE'S GROUND, to maintain one's position; STAND OUT, to project, to be prominent: not to comply, to refuse to yield; STAND TO, to agree to, adhere to, abide by, maintain; STAND TOGETHER, to agree, to be consistent with; STAND TRIAL, not to give up without trial; STAND UNDER (_Shak._), to undergo, to sustain; STAND UP, to rise from a sitting posture; STAND UP FOR, to support or attempt to defend; STAND UPON (_B._), to attack; STAND UP TO, to meet face to face, to fulfil manfully; STAND UP WITH, to dance with as a partner; STAND WITH, to be consistent. [A.S. _standan_; Goth. _standan_, Ger. _stehen_; cf. Gr. _histanai_, to place, L. _st[=a]re_, to stand.]

STAND, stand, _n._ a place where one stands or remains for any purpose: a place beyond which one does not go, the highest or ultimate point: an erection for spectators at races, &c.: the place of a witness in court: something on which anything rests, a frame for glasses, &c.: a stop, obstruction, rest, quiescence: a state of cessation from action, motion, or business: a state of perplexity or hesitation: a difficulty, resistance.--BE AT A STAND, to stop on account of doubt or difficulty: to hesitate, to be perplexed; MAKE A STAND, to halt and offer resistance; PUT TO A STAND, to stop, arrest.

STANDARD, stand'ard, _n._ that which stands or is fixed, as a rule: the upright post of a truss: that which is established as a rule or model: a grade of classification in English elementary schools: a staff with a flag: an ensign of war: one of the two flags of a heavy cavalry regiment: (_hort._) a standing shrub or tree, not supported by a wall.--_adj._ according to some standard: legal: usual: having a fixed or permanent value.--_n._ STAND'ARD-BEAR'ER, the soldier or junior officer who carries the colours: the spokesman or representative of a movement. [O. Fr. _estandart_--Old High Ger. _standan_, to stand, with suff. _-art._]

STANG, stang, _n._ a wooden bar, a pole.--RIDING THE STANG, a popular manner of punishing an unpopular man by carrying him astride of a stang. [A.S. _stæng_, a pole; Dut. _stang_.]

STANG, stang, _v.i._ (_prov._) to throb with pain--also a Scotch form of _sting_.

STANHOPE, stan'h[=o]p, _n._ a light open one-seated carriage without a top, formerly with two wheels, now usually with four.

STANIEL, stan'yel, _n._ the kestrel or windhover.--Also STAN'NEL, STAN'YEL. [A.S. _stángella_.]

STANK, stangk, _pa.t._ of stink.

STANK, stangk, _n._ (_Scot._) a ditch, a pool, a tank. [O. Fr. _estang_, a pond--L. _stagnum_, a stagnant pool.]

STANNARY, stan'ar-i, _adj._ of or relating to tin mines or works.--_n._ a tin-mine.--_n._ STANN'ATE, a salt formed with stannic acid and a base.--_adjs._ STANN'IC, pertaining to, or procured from, tin; STANNIF'EROUS, producing or containing tin.--_n._ STANN'INE, a mineral of a grayish-black colour, consisting chiefly of sulphur, tin, copper, and iron.--_adj._ STANN'OUS, containing tin.--STANNARY COURTS, courts in Cornwall for the tin-miners. [L. _stannum_, tin.]

STANZA, stan'za, _n._ a series of lines or verses connected with and adjusted to each other in a fixed order of sequence as regards length and metrical form: a division of a poem containing every variation of measure in the poem.--_adj._ STANZ[=A]'IC. [It. _stanza_, a stop--Low L. _stantia_--L. _st[=a]re_, stand.]

STAPELIA, sta-p[=e]'li-a, _n._ a genus of showy fleshy African plants of the milkweed family. [From J. B. van _Stapel_.]

STAPES, st[=a]'p[=e]z, _n._ the inmost of the three auditory ossicles, situated in the tympanum.--_adjs._ STAP[=E]'DIAL, stirrup-shaped: pertaining to the stapes; STAPEDIF'EROUS, having a stapes.--_n._ STAP[=E]'DIUS, a stapedial muscle. [Low L. _stapes_, a stirrup--Old High Ger. _stapf_, a step.]

STAPHYLINE, staf'i-lin, _adj._ of the form of a bunch of grapes.--_ns._ STAPH'YLE, the uvula; STAPHYL[=O]'MA, STAPHYL[=O]'SIS, a protrusion of any of the coats of the eye.--_adjs._ STAPHYLOMAT'IC; STAPHYL[=O]'MATOUS.--_ns._ STAPH'YLOPLASTY, the operation for replacing the soft palate; STAPHYLOR'APHY, the operation of uniting a cleft palate; STAPHYLOT'OMY, the amputation of the uvula. [Gr. _staphyl[=e]_, a bunch of grapes, the uvula.]

STAPLE, st[=a]'pl, _n._ a settled mart or market: the principal production or industry of a district or country: the principal element: the thread of textile fabrics: unmanufactured material.--_adj._ established in commerce: regularly produced for market.--_n._ ST[=A]'PLER, a dealer. [O. Fr. _estaple_--Low Ger. _stapel_, a heap.]

STAPLE, st[=a]'pl, _n._ a loop of iron, &c., for holding a bolt, &c.: the metallic tube to which the reed is fastened in the oboe, &c. [A.S. _stapel_, a prop--_stapan_, step; cf. Ger. _stapel_.]

STAR, stär, _n._ one of the bright bodies in the heavens, except the sun and moon: one of the heavenly bodies shining by their own light, and which keep the same relative position in the heavens: anything star-like or star-shaped: a representation of a star worn as a badge of rank or honour: a person of brilliant or attractive qualities: the chief actor or actress in a dramatic company: (_print._) an asterisk (*).--_v.t._ to set with stars: to bespangle.--_v.i._ to shine, as a star: to attract attention: to appear as a star-actor (TO STAR IT, esp. on a provincial tour):--_pr.p._ star'ring; _pa.t._ and _pa.p._ starred.--_ns._ STAR'-AP'PLE, the fruit of the West Indian tree _Chrysophyllum Cainito_; STAR'-BLAST'ING, the noxious influence of the stars.--_adjs._ STAR'-BLIND, so blind as not to see the stars: half-blind; STAR'-BROI'DERED (_Tenn._), embroidered with figures in the shape of stars.--_ns._ STAR'-BUZZ'ARD, an American goshawk; STAR'-CAT'ALOGUE, a list of stars, with their places, magnitudes, &c.--_adj._ STAR'-CROSSED, not favoured by the stars.--_ns._ STAR'-DRIFT, a common proper motion of a number of fixed stars in the same region of the heavens; STAR'-DUST, cosmic dust, matter in fine particles falling upon the earth from some outside source, like meteorites; STAR'-FINCH, the redstart; STAR'FISH (_Asteroidea_), an Echinoderm, nearly allied to the Brittle-stars (_Ophiuroidea_) and to the Sea-urchins (_Echinoidea_); STAR'-FLOW'ER, one of various plants with bright star-shaped flowers, the Star-of-Bethlehem: chickweed; STAR'-FORT, a fort surrounded with projecting angles, like the points of a star; STAR'-FRUIT, a small water-plant of southern Europe, with long-pointed radiating carpels; STAR'-G[=A]Z'ER, an astrologer: an astronomer; STAR'-G[=A]Z'ING, astrology; STAR'-GRASS, a grass-like plant, with star-shaped, yellow flowers; STAR'-HY'ACINTH, a bulbous-rooted plant, a species of squill, with pinkish purple flowers, found on the coast in the south of England; STAR'-JELL'Y, the common species of nostoc.--_adj._ STAR'LESS, having no stars visible: having no light from stars.--_n._ STAR'LIGHT, light or lustre of the stars.--_adjs._ STAR'-LIKE, resembling a star: radiated like a star: bright, illustrious; STAR'LIT, lighted by the stars.--_ns._ STAR'-NOSE, a North American mole; STAR'-OF-BETH'LEHEM, a garden plant of the lily family, with bright white star-like flowers: the miraculous star of the Nativity (Matt. ii. 2, 9, 10).--_adj._ STAR'-PROOF (_Milt._), impervious to starlight.--_n._ STAR'-READ (_Spens._), knowledge of the stars, astrology.--_adj._ STARRED, adorned or studded with stars.--_ns._ STAR'-REED, a South American plant used in Peru against dysentery, &c.; STAR'RINESS.--_adj._ STAR'RY, abounding or adorned with stars: consisting of, or proceeding from, the stars: like, or shining like, the stars.--_n._ STARS'-AND-STRIPES, the flag of the United States of America, with thirteen stripes alternately red and white, and a blue field containing as many stars as there are states.--_adj._ STAR'-SPANG'LED, spangled or studded with stars.--_n._ STAR'-STONE, a variety of corundum which, when cut in a particular way, exhibits a reflection of light in the form of a star.--_adj._ STAR'-STROWN (_Tenn._), strewn or studded with stars.--_ns._ STAR'-THIS'TLE, a species of centaury, so called from its star-like flowers; STAR'-WHEEL, a spur-wheel with V-shaped teeth; STAR'WORT, a genus of plants nearly allied to the Asters, with star-like flowers. [A.S. _steorra_; Ger. _stern_, L. _stella_ (for _sterula_), Gr. _ast[=e]r_.]

STARBOARD, stär'b[=o]rd, _n._ the right-hand side of a ship, to one looking toward the bow.--_adj._ pertaining to, or lying on, the right side of a ship. [A.S. _steórbord_--_steór_, a rudder, _bord_, a board, the side of a ship. Cf. _Board_ and _Larboard_.]