Chapter XV: Front Matter (15)

STARCH, stärch, _n._ the pure fecula or white farinaceous matter of vegetables, yielding a translucent jelly used for stiffening clothes in the laundry: stiffness, formality.--_adj._ stiff, rigid, formal.--_adj._ STARCHED, stiffened with starch: formal.--_adv._ STARCH'EDLY.--_ns._ STARCH'EDNESS; STARCH'ER; STARCH'-HY'ACINTH, a plant allied to the hyacinth, so called from the smell of the flower.--_adv._ STARCH'ILY, in a starch or stiff manner: formally.--_ns._ STARCH'INESS, the state or quality of being starchy: stiffness of manner: formality; STARCH'-SU'GAR, glucose.--_adj._ STARCH'Y, consisting of, or like, starch: stiff: precise. [A special use of adj. _stark_; cf. Ger. _stärke_, starch--_stark_, strong.]

STAR-CHAMBER, stär'-ch[=a]m'b[.e]r, _n._ a tribunal with a civil and criminal jurisdiction, which met in the old council chamber of the palace of Westminster, abolished in the reign of Charles I. [Probably named from the gilt _stars_ on the ceiling, hardly from the Jewish bonds (called _starrs_, from Heb. _shetar_) kept in the council-room.]

STARE, st[=a]r, _v.i._ to look at with a fixed gaze, as in horror, astonishment, &c.: to look fixedly.--_v.t._ to influence in some way by staring.--_n._ a fixed look.--_ns._ ST[=A]R[=EE]', one who is stared at; ST[=A]'RER, one who stares or gazes; ST[=A]'RING, the act of staring.--_adv._ ST[=A]'RINGLY, in a staring manner: with a fixed look. [A.S. _starian_, from a Teut. root seen in Ger. _starr_, rigid; also in Eng. _stern_.]

STARK, stärk, _adj._ stiff: gross: absolute: entire: naked, an abbreviation of STARK'-N[=A]'KED, quite naked, which is really a corr. of M. E. _start-naked_=tail-naked (A.S. _steort_, a tail).--_adv._ absolutely: completely.--_v.t._ to make stark, as in death.--_v.t._ STARK'EN, to stiffen, to make obstinate.--_adv._ STARK'LY.--_n._ STARK'NESS, the state or quality of being stark: stiffness; stoutness. [A.S. _stearc_, hard, strong; cog. Ice. _sterk-r_, Ger. _stark_.]

STARLING, stärling, _n._ a genus _Sturnus_ and family _Sturnidæ_ of Passerine birds: (_archit._) a ring of piles supporting the pier of a bridge. [Dim. from obs. _stare_--A.S. _stær_; Ger. _staar_, L. _sturnus_.]

STAROST, stär'ost, _n._ a Polish noble holding a STAR'OSTY or domain by grant of life-estate from the crown. [Pol. _starosta_, elder--_stary_, old.]

STARR. See under STAR-CHAMBER.

START, stärt, _v.i._ to move suddenly aside: to wince: to deviate: to begin: to proceed: to give way somewhat.--_v.t._ to cause to move suddenly: to disturb suddenly: to rouse suddenly from concealment: to set in motion: to call forth: to invent or discover: to move suddenly from its place: to loosen: to empty: to pour out.--_n._ a sudden movement: a sudden motion of the body: a sudden rousing to action: an unexpected movement: a sally: a sudden fit: a quick spring: the first motion from a point or place: the outset.--_n._ START'ER, one who starts.--_adj._ START'FUL, apt to start.--_adv._ START'INGLY (_Shak._), by fits or starts.--_ns._ START'ING-POINT, the point from which anything starts, or from which motion begins; START'ING-POST, the post or barrier from which the competitors in a race start or begin the race.--_adj._ START'ISH, apt to start, skittish.--_ns._ START'-UP (_Shak._), an upstart; START'UPPE (_Spens._), a kind of high shoe or half-boot.--START AFTER, to set out after, to pursue; START UP, to rise suddenly, to come suddenly into notice.--GET, or HAVE, THE START, to begin before another, to obtain an advantage over another. [M. E. _sterten_; closely akin to Dut. and Low Ger. _storten_, to plunge, Ger. _stürzen_.]

STARTLE, stärt'l, _v.i._ to start or move suddenly: to feel sudden alarm.--_v.t._ to excite suddenly: to shock: to frighten.--_n._ sudden alarm or surprise.--_n._ START'LER.--_adj._ START'LING, such as to strike with astonishment or alarm.--_adv._ START'LINGLY.--_adj._ START'LISH, apt to start. [Extension of _start_.]

STARVE, stärv, _v.i._ to die of hunger or cold: to suffer extreme hunger or want: to be in want of anything necessary, to deteriorate for want of anything essential.--_v.t._ to kill with hunger or cold: to destroy by want: to deprive of power.--_n._ STARV[=A]'TION, act of starving: state of being starved.--_adj._ STARVE'LING, hungry: lean: weak.--_n._ a thin, weak, pining animal or plant. [A.S. _steorfan_, to die; Dut. _sterven_, Ger. _sterben_, to die.]

STASIDION, sta-sid'i-on, _n._ a stall in a Greek church.

STASIMON, stas'i-mon, _n._ an ode sung by the whole chorus, after the parode:--_pl._ STAS'IMA. [Gr.]

STASIMORPHY, stas'i-mor-fi, _n._ any deviation from the normal form of a bodily organ due to arrested development [Gr. _stasis_, standing.]

STASIS, st[=a]'sis, _n._ the arrest of the blood in its circulation: one of the sections of a cathisma or portion of the psalter. [Gr.]

STATANT, st[=a]'tant, _adj._ (_her._) standing with all the feet on the ground. [L. _st[=a]re_, to stand.]

STATE, st[=a]t, _n._ position: condition: situation: circumstances at any time: the whole body of people under one government: the public: the civil power: estate, one of the orders or classes of men forming the body politic (as nobles, clergy, commonalty): a body of men united by profession: rank, quality: pomp: dignity: style of living: stability, continuance: (_pl._) the bodies constituting the legislature of a country: (_obs._) a seat of dignity: a stage, condition, as of an etched or engraved plate at one particular stage of its progress.--_adj._ belonging to the state: public: royal: ceremonial: pompous: magnificent.--_v.t._ to set forth: to express the details of: to set down fully and formally: to narrate: to set in order: to settle.--_adj._ ST[=A]T'ABLE, capable of being stated.--_ns._ STATE'-CRAFT, the art of managing state affairs; STATE'-CRIM'INAL, one who commits an offence against the state, as treason.--_adj._ ST[=A]T'ED, settled: established: fixed: regular.--_adv._ ST[=A]T'EDLY.--_ns._ STATE'-HOUSE, the building in which the legislature of a state holds its sittings; ST[=A]TE'LINESS.--_adj._ ST[=A]TE'LY, showing state or dignity: majestic: grand.--_adv._ majestically: (_Milt._) loftily.--_ns._ ST[=A]TE'MENT, the act of stating: that which is stated: a narrative or recital; STATE'-P[=A]'PER, an official paper or document relating to affairs of state; STATE'-PRIS'ON; STATE'-PRIS'ONER, a prisoner confined for offence against the state; STATE'-RELIG'ION, the establishment or endowment by the government of a country of some particular form of religion; STATE'ROOM, a stately room in a palace or mansion: principal room in the cabin of a ship; STATES'-GEN'ERAL, the name given to the representative body of the three orders (nobility, clergy, burghers) of the French kingdom; STATES'MAN, a man acquainted with the affairs of government: one skilled in government: one employed in public affairs: a politician: one who farms his own estate, a small landholder.--_adj._ STATES'MAN-LIKE, like a statesman.--_adv._ STATES'MANLY, in a manner becoming a statesman.--_n._ STATES'MANSHIP.--STATE SOCIALISM, a scheme of government which would entrust to the state the carrying on of the great enterprises of private industry; STATES OF THE CHURCH, the former temporal possessions of the popes. [O. Fr. _estat_ (Fr. _état_)--L. _status_, from _st[=a]re_, _st[=a]tum_, to stand.]

STATER, st[=a]'t[.e]r, _n._ the standard gold coin of ancient Greece.

STATIC, -AL, stat'ik, -al, _adj._ pertaining to statics: pertaining to bodies at rest or in equilibrium: resting: acting by mere weight.--_adv._ STAT'ICALLY.--_n._ STAT'ICS, the science which treats of the action of force in maintaining rest or preventing change of motion. [Gr. _statik[=e]_ (_epist[=e]m[=e]_, 'science,' being understood)--_hist[=e]mi_.]

STATION, st[=a]'shun, _n._ the place where a person or thing stands: post assigned: position: office: situation: occupation, business: state: rank: condition in life: the place where railway trains come to a stand in order to take up and set down passengers and goods, the buildings erected at such a place for railway business: a regular stopping-place: a stock farm in Australia: a district or branch police-office: the place in India where the group of English officials or the officers of a garrison reside: a recess in a mine-shaft or passage for a pumping-machine: (_pl._) in R.C. usage, applied to certain places of reputed sanctity, appointed to be visited as places of prayer, any one of the fourteen (fifteen, or even eleven) images or pictures ranged round a church, starting from one side of the high altar and ending at the other, representing the several stages of the Passion--the whole series the Way of Calvary.--_v.t._ to assign a station to: to set: to appoint to a post, place, or office.--_adj._ ST[=A]'TIONAL.--_n._ ST[=A]'TIONARINESS.--_adj._ ST[=A]'TIONARY, pertaining to a station: standing: fixed: settled: acting from, or in, a fixed position (as an engine): not progressing or retrogressing: not improving.--_n._ ST[=A]'TIONER, one who sells paper and other articles used in writing.--_adj._ ST[=A]'TIONERY, belonging to a stationer.--_n._ the articles sold by a stationer.--_ns._ ST[=A]'TION-HOUSE, a temporary place of arrest; ST[=A]'TION-MAS'TER, one who has charge of a station, esp. on a railway.--STATIONERS' HALL, the hall in London belonging to the Company of the Stationers, who enjoyed until the passing of the Copyright Act in 1842 an absolute monopoly of printing and publishing; STATIONERY OFFICE, an office in London for providing books, stationery, &c. to the government offices at home and abroad, and for making contracts for the printing of government reports and other public papers. [Fr.,--L. _statio_--_st[=a]re_, to stand.]

STATIST, st[=a]'tist, _n._ a statesman, a politician.

STATISTICS, sta-tist'iks, _n._ a collection of facts and figures regarding the condition of a people, class, &c.: the science which treats of the collection and arrangement of facts bearing on the condition--social, moral, and material--of a people.--_adjs._ STATIST'IC, -AL, pertaining to, or containing, statistics.--_adv._ STATIST'ICALLY.--_n._ STATISTIC'IAN, one skilled in statistics. [Coined (as if from a form _statistik[=e]_) from Gr. _statizein_, to set up.]

STATIVE, st[=a]'tiv, _adj._ standing still, pertaining to a permanent camp: indicating a physical state or reflex action, of certain Hebrew verbs.

STATUE, stat'[=u], _n._ a likeness of a human being or animal carved out of some solid substance: an image--(_obs._) STAT'UA.--_n._ STAT'[=U]ARY, the art of carving statues: a statue or a collection of statues: one who makes statues: a dealer in statues.--_adj._ STAT'UED, furnished with statues.--_n._ STATUETTE', a small statue. [Fr.,--L. _statua_--_statu[)e]re_, to cause lo stand--_st[=a]re_.]

STATUESQUE, stat-[=u]-esk', _adj._ like a statue.--_adv._ STATUESQUE'LY. [Fr.]

STATURE, stat'[=u]r, _n._ the height of any animal.--_adj._ STAT'URED, having a certain specified stature. [L. _statura_.]

STATUS, st[=a]'tus, _n._ state: condition: rank. [L.]

STATUTE, stat'[=u]t, _n._ a law expressly enacted by the legislature (as distinguished from a customary law or law of use and wont): a written law: the act of a corporation or its founder, intended as a permanent rule or law.--_adj._ STAT'[=U]TABLE, made by statute: according to statute.--_adv._ STAT'[=U]TABLY.--_ns._ STAT'UTE-BOOK, a record of statutes or enacted laws; STAT'UTE-CAP (_Shak._), a kind of cap enjoined to be worn by a statute passed in 1571 in behalf of the cap-makers; STAT'UTE-ROLL, an enrolled statute.--_adj._ STAT'[=U]TORY, enacted by statute: depending on statute for its authority. [L. _statutum_, that which is set up--_statu[)e]re_.]

STAUNCH, stawnsh, _adj._ firm in principle, pursuit, or support: trusty, hearty, constant, zealous.--_adv._ STAUNCH'LY.--_n._ STAUNCH'NESS. [_Stanch_.]

STAUROLITE, stawr'[=o]-l[=i]t, _n._ a silicate of alumina with ferrous oxide, magnesia, and water, crystallising in trimetric forms, common as twinned cruciform crystals in certain states.--_adj._ STAUROLIT'IC.

STAVE, st[=a]v, _n._ one of the pieces of which a cask is made: a staff or part of a piece of music: a stanza.--_v.t._ to break a stave or the staves of: to break: to burst: to drive off, as with a staff: to delay:--_pa.t._ and _pa.p._ st[=a]ved or st[=o]ve. [By-form of _staff_.]

STAVES, st[=a]vz, plural of _staff_ and of _stave_.

STAVESACRE, st[=a]vz'[=a]-k[.e]r, _n._ a tall larkspur whose seeds yield delphinin for destroying lice. [O. Fr. _stavesaigre_--Low L. _staphisagria_--Gr. _staphis_, dried grapes, _agrios_, wild.]

STAW, staw, _v.i._ (_prov._) to stand still, become fixed.--_v.t._ (_Scot._) to surfeit, to scunner at.--_n._ a surfeit.

STAW, staw, a Scotch form of _stole_.

STAY, st[=a], _v.i._ to remain: to abide for any time: to continue in a state: to wait: to cease acting: to dwell: to trust.--_v.t._ to cause to stand: to stop: to restrain: to delay: to prevent from falling: to prop: to support, rest, rely:--_pa.t._ and _pa.p._ stayed, staid.--_n._ continuance in a place: abode for a time: stand: stop: a fixed state: a standstill: suspension of a legal proceeding: prop, support: (_pl._) a kind of stiff inner waistcoat worn by women.--_ns._ STAY'-AT-HOME, one who keeps much at home--also _adj._; STAY'-BOLT, a bolt or rod binding together opposite plates; STAY'ER, one who, or that which, stops, holds, or supports: a person or animal of good lasting or staying qualities for a race, &c.; STAY'-LACE, a lace for fastening a bodice; STAY'-M[=A]'KER, one whose occupation is to make stays.--STAY THE STOMACH, to allay the cravings of hunger for the time. [O. Fr. _estayer, estaye_--Old Dut. _stade_, a stay.]

STAY, st[=a], _n._ a large strong rope running from the head of one mast to another mast ('fore-and-aft' stay), or to the side of the ship ('back'-stay): the transverse piece in a chain-cable link.--_v.t._ to support or to incline to one side by means of stays: to put on the other tack, to cause to go about.--_v.i._ to change tack, to go about, to be in stays.--_ns._ STAY'SAIL, a sail extended on a stay; STAY'-TACK'LE, a large hoisting tackle fixed by a pendant to the mainstay of a ship.--MISS STAYS (see MISS). [A.S. _stæg_; Dut. _stag_, Ger. _stag_.]

STAYED, st[=a]d, _adj._ (_Spens._). Same as _Staid_, constant.

STAYNE, st[=a]n, _v.t._ (_Spens._) to dim, deface, or disparage. [A form of _stain_.]

STAYRE, st[=a]r, _n._ (_Spens._). Same as _Stair_, a step.

STEAD, sted, _n._ the place which another had or might have: a fixed place of abode: use, help, service, as in 'To stand in good stead.'--_n._ STEADING, the barns, stables, &c. of a farm. [A.S. _stede_, place; Ger. _stadt, statt_, place, Dut. _stad_, a town.]

STEADFAST, sted'fast, _adj._ firmly fixed or established: firm: constant: resolute: steady.--_adv._ STEAD'FASTLY.--_n._ STEAD'FASTNESS. [A.S. _stedefæst, stede_, a place, _fæst_, firm, fast.]

STEADY, sted'i, _adj._ (_comp._ STEAD'IER, _superl._ STEAD'IEST) firm in standing or in place: fixed: stable: constant: resolute: consistent: regular: uniform: sober, industrious.--_v.t._ to make steady: to make or keep firm:--_pa.t._ and _pa.p._ stead'ied.--_n._ a rest or support, as for the hand, a tool, or a piece of work.--_adv._ STEAD'ILY.--_n._ STEAD'INESS.--_adj._ STEAD'Y-G[=O]'ING, of steady habits or action. [A.S. _stæ_ðð_ig_--_stæ_ð, stead, bank; Ger. _stätig_, continual.]

STEAK, st[=a]k, _n._ a slice of meat (esp. beef) broiled, or for broiling. [Prob. Ice. _steik, steikja_, to broil.]

STEAL, st[=e]l, _v.t._ to take by theft or feloniously: to take away without notice: to gain or win by address, insidiously, or by gradual means: to snatch: in golf, to hole a long putt by a stealthy stroke--the opposite of _Gobble._--_v.i._ to practise theft: to take feloniously: to pass secretly: to slip in or out unperceived:--_pa.t._ st[=o]le; _pa.p._ st[=o]len.--_ns._ STEAL'ER; STEAL'ING, the act of taking another's property without his knowledge or consent: stolen property.--_adv._ STEAL'INGLY.--STEAL A MARCH ON, to gain an advantage unperceived. [A.S. _stelan_; Ger. _stehlen_, Dut. _stelen_.]

STEAL, st[=e]l, _n._ (_Spens._) a handle.

STEALTH, stelth, _n._ the act of stealing: a secret manner of bringing anything to pass.--_adv._ STEALTH'ILY.--_n._ STEALTH'INESS.--_adj._ STEALTH'Y, done by stealth: unperceived: secret.

STEAM, st[=e]m, _n._ the vapour of water--when dry, invisible and transparent like air, and not to be confused with the semi-liquid cloud which comes from the chimney of a locomotive; when superheated, changing the characteristics of a vapour for those belonging to what is known as a 'perfect gas:' the mist formed by condensed vapour: any vaporous exhalation: energy, force, spirit.--_v.i._ to rise or pass off in steam or vapour: to move by steam.--_v.t._ to expose to steam.--_ns._ STEAM'BOAT, STEAM'SHIP, STEAM'-VESS'EL, a boat, ship, or vessel propelled by steam; STEAM'-BOIL'ER, a boiler for generating steam; STEAM'-CARRIAGE, a carriage moved by steam on common roads; STEAM'-CHEST, -DOME, a chamber above a steam-boiler serving as a reservoir for steam; STEAM'-CRANE, a crane worked by a steam-engine; STEAM'-DIG'GER, a machine for digging the soil by means of steam-power, the soil being thereby much more thoroughly pulverised than by ploughing; STEAM'-EN'GINE, an engine or machine which changes heat into useful work through the medium of steam; STEAM'ER, a vessel moved by steam: a road-locomotive, &c.: a vessel in which articles are steamed; STEAM'-GAUGE, an instrument for measuring the pressure of steam in a boiler; STEAM'-GOV'ERNOR, the governor of a steam-engine; STEAM'-GUN, a gun projecting a missile by means of steam; STEAM'-HAMM'ER, a hammer consisting of a steam cylinder and piston placed vertically over an anvil, the hammer moved by the action of the steam; STEAM'INESS, the quality of being vaporous or misty; STEAM'-JACK'ET, a hollow casing surrounding any vessel and into which steam may be admitted; STEAM'-LAUNCH (see LAUNCH); STEAM'-NAVIG[=A]'TION, the propulsion of vessels by steam; STEAM'-NAV'VY, an excavator operated by steam in the making of docks, canals, &c.; STEAM'-PACK'ET, a steam-vessel plying between certain ports; STEAM'-PIPE, a pipe for conveying steam; STEAM'-PLOUGH, a plough or gang of ploughs worked by a steam-engine; STEAM'-POW'ER, the force of steam when applied to machinery; STEAM'-PRESS, a printing-press worked by steam; STEAM'-PRINT'ING, printing in which the presses are operated by steam; STEAM'-TRAP, a contrivance for allowing the passage of water while preventing the passage of steam; STEAM'-TUG, a small steam-vessel used in towing ships; STEAM'-WHIS'TLE, an apparatus attached to a steam-engine through which steam is discharged, producing a sound in the manner of a common whistle.--_adj._ STEAM'Y, consisting of, or like, steam: full of steam or vapour.--_n._ STEAM'-YACHT, a yacht propelled by steam. [A.S. _steám_; cog. with Dut. _stoom_.]

STEAN, STEEN, st[=e]n, _n._ a stone or earthenware vessel.--_n._ STEAN'ING, the stone or brick lining of a well, &c. [A.S. _stæn_, stone.]

STEARE, st[=e]r, _n._ (_Spens._) a steer or ox.

STEARINE, st[=e]'a-r[=i]n, _n._ one of the fats occurring in animals and plants, the chief constituent of the more solid fats, such as mutton suet.--_n._ ST[=E]'AR[=A]TE, a salt formed by the combination of stearic acid with a base.--_adj._ ST[=E]AR'IC, pertaining to, or obtained from, stearine.--_n._ ST[=E]ARRH[=E]'A, an abnormal increase of secretion from the oil-glands of the skin.--STEARIC ACID, an acid abundant in fats. [Gr. _stear_, _steatos_, suet--_histanai_, to make to stand, to fix.]

STEATITE, st[=e]'a-t[=i]t, _n._ soapstone, a compact or massive variety of talc, a hydrous silicate of magnesia, white or yellow, soft and greasy to the touch--used by tailors for marking cloth, and called _Briançon Chalk_, _French Chalk_, and _Venice Talc_.--_adj._ ST[=E]ATIT'IC.--_ns._ ST[=E]AT[=I]'TIS, inflammation of the fatty tissue; ST[=E]'ATOCELE, a fatty tumour in the scrotum; ST[=E]AT[=O]'MA, a fatty encysted tumour.--_adj._ ST[=E]ATOM'ATOUS.--_n._ ST[=E]ATOP'YGA, an accumulation of fat on the buttocks of the Bushmen women.--_adj._ ST[=E]ATOP'YGOUS, fat-buttocked.--_n._ ST[=E]AT[=O]'SIS, fatty degeneration of an organ, as the heart. [Gr. _steatit[=e]s_--_stear_, _steatos_, suet.]

STEBOY, ste-boi', _interj._ a cry in setting on a dog.--Also HIST'ABOY.

STEDFAST=_Steadfast_.

STEED, st[=e]d, _n._ a horse or stallion, esp. a spirited horse. [A.S. _stéda_, from _stód_, a stud; Ger. _stute_, a stud-mare, _ge-stüte_, a stud.]

STEEDY, st[=e]d'i, _adj._ (_Spens._) steady.

STEEK, st[=e]k, _n._ (_Scot._) a stitch.--_v.t._ to pierce, to stitch: to close.

STEEL, st[=e]l, _n._ iron combined in varying proportions with carbon for making edged tools: any instrument or weapon of steel: an instrument of steel for sharpening knives on: a strip of steel for stiffening a corset: a piece of steel for striking fire from a flint: extreme hardness: a chalybeate medicine.--_adj._ made of steel: hard, unfeeling.--_v.t._ to overlay or edge with steel: to harden: to make obdurate.--_adj._ STEEL'-CLAD, clad with steel-mail.--_ns._ STEEL'-ENGRAVING, the art of engraving pictures on steel plates from which impressions may be taken, the impression or print so taken; STEEL'INESS, state of being steely, great hardness; STEEL'ING, the welding of a steel edge on a cutting instrument; STEEL'-PEN, a pen-nib made of steel; STEEL'-PLATE, a plate of steel: a plate of polished steel on which a design is engraved, the print taken from such.--_adj._ STEEL'-PL[=A]T'ED, plated with steel.--_n.pl._ STEEL'-TOYS, small articles of steel as buttons, buckles, &c.--_n._ STEEL'-WARE, articles made of steel collectively.--_adj._ STEEL'Y, made of steel: steel-like. [A.S. _stýle_; Ger. _stahl_.]

STEELBOW, st[=e]l'b[=o], _n._ (_Scots law_) a term for goods, such as corn, cattle, straw, and implements of husbandry delivered by the landlord to his tenant, by means of which the latter is enabled to stock and labour the farm, and in consideration of which he becomes bound to return articles equal in quantity and quality at the expiration of the lease.

STEELYARD, st[=e]l'yärd, _n._ the Roman balance, an instrument for weighing, consisting of a lever with unequal arms, in using which a single weight or counterpoise is employed, being moved along a graduated beam. [Orig. the _yard_ in London where _steel_ was sold by German merchants.]

STEEM, st[=e]m (_Spens._). Same as ESTEEM.

STEEN. See STEAN.

STEENBOK, st[=a]n'bok, _n._ one of several small African antelopes. [Dut., _steen_, stone, _bok_, buck.]

STEENKIRK, st[=e]n'kerk, _n._ a lace cravat loosely worn, so named from the defeat of William III. by Luxembourg at _Steenkerke_, August 3, 1692.

STEEP, st[=e]p, _adj._ rising or descending with great inclination: precipitous: difficult, excessive, exorbitant.--_n._ a precipitous place: a precipice.--_adj._ STEEP'-DOWN (_Shak._), deep and precipitous.--_v.i._ STEEP'EN, to become steep.--_ns._ STEEP'INESS, STEEP'NESS, the state or quality of being steep.--_adv._ STEEP'LY.--_adj._ STEEP'Y, steep. [A.S. _steáp_; Ice. _steypthr_.]

STEEP, st[=e]p, _v.t._ to dip or soak in a liquid: to imbue.--_n._ something steeped or used in steeping: a fertilising liquid for seed: rennet.--_n._ STEEP'ER, a vessel in which articles are steeped. [Scand., Ice. _steypa_, to make to stoop, pour out, causal of _stúpa_, to stoop.]

STEEPLE, st[=e]p'l, _n._ a tower of a church or building, ending in a point: the high head-dress of the 14th century.--_adj._ STEEP'LED, furnished with a steeple: adorned with, or as with, steeples or towers.--_ns._ STEEP'LE-HAT, a high and narrow-crowned hat; STEEP'LE-HOUSE, an old Quaker name for the building in which believers meet for worship; STEEP'LEJACK, one who climbs steeples and chimney-stalks to make repairs. [A.S. _stýpel_, _stepel_--_steáp_, steep.]

STEEPLECHASE, st[=e]p'l-ch[=a]s, _n._ a horserace run across the open country, over hedges, ditches, walls, and other obstacles.--_n._ STEEP'LECH[=A]SER, one who rides such.

STEER, st[=e]r, _n._ a young ox, esp. a castrated one from two to four years old.--_n._ STEER'LING, a little or young steer. [A.S. _steór_; Ger. _stier_.]

STEER, st[=e]r, _v.t._ to direct with the helm: to guide: to govern.--_v.i._ to direct a ship in its course: to be directed: to move.--_ns._ STEER'AGE, act or practice of steering: the effect of a rudder on the ship: an apartment in the fore-part of a ship for passengers paying a lower rate of fare; STEER'AGE-WAY, sufficient movement of a vessel to enable it to be controlled by the helm; STEER'ER, STEERS'MAN, a man who steers a ship; STEER'ING; STEER'ING-WHEEL, the wheel by which the rudder of a ship is turned. [A.S. _steóran_, _stýran_, to steer; Ger. _steuern_.]

STEER, st[=e]r, _n._ a Scotch form of _stir_.

STEEVE, st[=e]v, _n._ a spar with a block at the end for packing close certain kinds of cargo: the angle which the bowsprit of a ship makes with the horizon or the line of her keel.--Also STEEV'ING.

STEEVE, st[=e]v, _adj._ (_Scot._) stiff, firm.--_adv._ STEEVE'LY.

STEEVE, st[=e]v, _v.t._ to stuff, pack close.--_n._ STEEV'ING.

STEGANOGRAPHY, steg-an-og'ra-fi, _n._ the art of writing in cipher or secret characters.--_n._ STEGANOG'RAPHIST, one who writes in cipher. [Gr. _steganos_, concealed--_stegein_, to cover, _graphein_, to write.]

STEGANOPUS, ste-gan'[=o]-pus, _n._ a genus of phalaropes with long slender bill.--_adjs._ STEG'ANOPOD, STEGANOP'ODOUS, having all four toes webbed, totipalmate.--_n.pl._ STEGANOP'ODES, an order of swimming birds, with all four toes webbed and a gular pouch--cormorants, frigate-birds, pelicans, gannets. [Gr. _steganos_, covered, _pous_, _podos_, foot.]

STEGNOSIS, steg-n[=o]'sis, _n._ constriction of the pores and vessels: constipation.--_adj._ STEGNOT'IC.

STEGOCEPHALOUS, steg-[=o]-sef'a-lus, _adj._ with the head mailed, loricate, cataphract. [Gr. _stegein_, to cover, _kephal[=e]_, the head.]

STEGOGNATHOUS, ste-gog'n[=a]-thus, _adj._ having a jaw composed of imbricated plates. [Gr. _stegein_, to cover, _gnathos_, the jaw.]

STEGOPTEROUS, ste-gop'te-rus, _adj._ roof-winged, keeping the wings deflexed when at rest. [Gr. _stegein_, to cover, _pteron_, a wing.]

STEGOSAURIAN, steg-[=o]-saw'ri-an, _adj._ pertaining to the STEGOSAU'RIA, an order or suborder of dinosaurs, represented by the families _Stegosauridæ_ and _Scelidosauridæ_.--_n._ STEGOSAU'RUS, the typical genus of _Stegosauridæ_, with enormous bucklers and spines. [Gr. _stegein_, to cover, _sauros_, a lizard.]

STEINBERGER, st[=i]n-ber'g[.e]r, _n._ an esteemed Rhenish white wine, produced near Wiesbaden.

STEINBOCK, STEENBOK, st[=e]n'bok, _n._ the name given in German Switzerland to the ibex of the Alps. [Ger. _stein_, stone, rock, _bock_, _buck_, he-goat.]

STELE, st[=e]'l[=e], _n._ an upright stone slab or tablet, either sepulchral or on which laws, decrees, &c. are inscribed--also ST[=E]'LA.--_adj._ ST[=E]'LENE.--_n._ STELOG'RAPHY, the practice of writing on steles. [L.,--Gr. _st[=e]l[=e]_--_histanai_, to set, stand.]

STELECHITE, stel'e-k[=i]t, _n._ a fine variety of storax.

STELL, stel, _v.t._ (_Shak._) to place, set.

STELLAR, stel'ar, STELLARY, stel'ar-i, _adj._ relating to the stars: starry.--_n._ STELL[=A]'RIA, a genus of tufted plants of the pink family--the chickweeds or starworts.--_adjs._ STELL'[=A]TE, -D, like a star: radiated; STELLED (_Milt._), starry: (_Shak._) set or fixed; STELLIF'EROUS, thickly abounding with stars; STELL'IFORM, star-shaped; STELL'ULAR, formed like little stars; STELL'ULATE (_bot._), like a little star. [L. _stellaris_--_stella_, a star.]

STELLION, stel'yun, _n._ an agamoid lizard.

STELTHS, stelths, _n.pl._ (_Spens._) thefts.

STEM, stem, _n._ the ascending axis of a plant, which usually bears leaves and flowers, and maintains communication between the roots and the leaves: the little branch supporting the flower or fruit: a race or family: branch of a family.--_n._ STEM'-LEAF, a leaf growing from the stem.--_adj._ STEM'LESS (_bot._), wanting a stem, or having it so little developed as to seem to be wanting.--_ns._ STEM'LET, a little or young stem; STEM'MA, a pedigree or family tree: an ocellus.--_adjs._ STEM'MATOUS; STEMMED. [A.S. _stæfn_, _stefn_, _stemn_, from _stæf_, a staff; Ger. _stab_.]

STEM, stem, _n._ the prow of a ship: a curved piece of timber at the prow to which the two sides of a ship are united.--_v.t._ to cut, as with the stem: to resist or make progress against: to stop, to check:--_pr.p._ stem'ming; _pa.t._ and _pa.p._ stemmed.--FROM STEM TO STERN, from one end of a vessel to the other: completely, throughout. [Same word as above.]

STEME, st[=e]m, _v.t._ an obsolete form of _steam_.

STEMPEL, stem'pel, _n._ a timber helping to support a platform.--Also STEM'PLE.

STEMSON, stem'sun, _n._ an arching piece of compass-timber behind the apron of a vessel, and supporting its scarfs.

STENCH, stensh, _n._ stink: a strong bad odour or smell.--_adj._ STENCH'Y. [A.S. _stenc_; Ger. _stank_.]

STENCIL, sten'sil, _n._ a plate of metal, &c., with a pattern cut out, which is impressed upon a surface by drawing a brush with colour over it.--_v.t._ to print or paint by means of a stencil:--_pr.p._ sten'cilling; _pa.t._ and _pa.p._ sten'cilled.--_ns._ STEN'CILLER, one who does stencil-work; STEN'CILLING, a method of printing letters or designs, the pattern cut out on a thin plate, and brushed over so as to mark the surface below. [O. Fr. _estinceller_, _estincelle_--L. _scintilla_, a spark.]

STEND, stend, _v.i._ (_prov._) to rear, leap, walk with long strides.--_n._ a leap.

STENOCHROME, sten'[=o]-kr[=o]m, _n._ a print from a series of pigment-blocks arranged.--_n._ STEN'OCHROMY, the art of printing in several colours at one impression. [Gr. _stenos_, narrow, _chr[=o]ma_, colour.]

STENOGRAPHY, sten-og'ra-fi, _n._ art of writing very quickly by means of abbreviations: shorthand.--_n._ STEN'OGRAPH, a character used in stenography: a stenographic machine.--_v.i._ to represent by means of stenography.--_ns._ STENOG'RAPHER, STENOG'RAPHIST.--_adjs._ STENOGRAPH'IC, -AL. [Gr. _stenos_, narrow, _graphein_, to write.]

STENOPAIC, sten-[=o]-p[=a]'ik, _adj._ having a narrow opening. [Gr. _stenos_, narrow, _op[=e]_, an opening.]

STENOSIS, sten-[=o]'sis, _n._ constriction of the pores and vessels: constipation.--_adjs._ STENOSED', contracted morbidly; STENOT'IC, abnormally contracted. [Gr., _stenos_, narrow.]

STENOTYPY, sten'o-t[=i]p-i, _n._ a system of shorthand representing by ordinary letters shortened signs of words or phrases.--_n._ STEN'OTYPE, such a symbolic letter or combination of letters.--_adj._ STENOTYP'IC.

STENT, stent, _v.t._ (_prov._) to stint, restrain.--_n._ extent, limit, amount of work required. [_Stint_.]

STENTOR, stent'or, _n._ a very loud-voiced herald in the Iliad, hence any person with a remarkably loud voice: the ursine howler.--_adj._ STENT[=O]'RIAN, very loud or powerful. [Gr.]

STEP, step, _n._ a pace: the distance crossed by the foot in walking or running: a small space: degree: one remove in ascending or descending a stair: round of a ladder: footprint: manner of walking: proceeding: action: the support on which the lower end of a mast, or staff, or a wheel rests: (_pl._) walk, direction taken in walking: a self-supporting ladder with flat steps.--_v.i._ to advance or retire by pacing: to walk: to walk slowly or gravely: to walk a short distance: to move mentally.--_v.t._ to set, as a foot: to fix, as a mast:--_pr.p._ step'ping; _pa.t._ and _pa.p._ stepped.--_ns._ STEP'PER, one who steps; STEP'PING-STONE, a stone for stepping on to raise the feet above the water or mud; STEP'STONE, a door-step.--STEP ASIDE, to walk to a little distance, as from company: to err; STEP IN, or INTO, to enter easily or unexpectedly; STEP OUT, to go out a little way: to increase the length of the step and so the speed; STEP SHORT, to shorten the length of one's step. [A.S. _stæpe_--_stapan_, to go; Dut. _stap_, Ger. _stapfe_.]

STEP-CHILD, step'-ch[=i]ld, _n._ one who stands in the relation of a child through the marriage of a parent--also STEP'-BAIRN. So STEP'-BROTH'ER; STEP'-DAUGH'TER; STEP'-FA'THER; STEP'-MOTH'ER, or -DAME; STEP'-SIS'TER; STEP'-SON.--_n._ STEP'-COUN'TRY, an adopted country. [A.S. _steóp-_, as in _steóp-módor_; Ger. _stieb-_; orig. an _adj._ sig. _bereft_.]

STEPHANE, stef'a-n[=e], _n._ an ancient Greek head-dress like a coronet. [Gr.,--_stephein_, to crown.]

STEPHANITE, stef'a-n[=i]t, _n._ a metallic iron-black silver sulph-antimonite.--Also _Brittle silver ore_ and _Sulph-antimonite of silver_.

STEPHANOTIS, stef-a-n[=o]'tis, _n._ a genus of shrubby twining plants of the milkweed family. [Gr. _stephanos_, a crown, _ous_, _[=o]tos,_ the ear.]

STEPPE, step, _n._ one of the vast uncultivated plains in the south-east of Europe and in Asia. [Russ. _stepe_.]

STERCORAL, ster'ko-ral, _adj._ pertaining to excrement--also STER'CORARY, STERCOR[=A]'CEOUS.--_ns._ STER'CORANIST, STERCOR[=A]'RIAN, one who held that the sacramental bread was digested and evacuated like other food; STERCOR[=A]'RIANISM; STERCOR[=A]'RIUS, a genus of _Laridæ_, the dung-hunters or skuas.--_v.t._ STER'CORATE, to manure.

STERCULIA, ster-k[=u]'li-a, _n._ the typical genus of _Sterculiaceæ_, a family of large trees and shrubs, with mucilaginous and demulcent properties--Gum-tragacanth, &c. [L. _stercus_, dung.]

STERE, st[=e]r, _n._ a cubic unit of metric measure--a cubic mètre, equivalent to 35.3156 English cubic feet.--_Decastère_=10 steres; _Decistère_=1/10 stere. [Fr. _stère_--Gr. _stereos_, solid.]

STEREO, ster'[=e]-[=o], _adj._ and _n._ a contr. of _stereotype_.

STEREOBATE, ster'[=e]-[=o]-b[=a]t, _n._ the substructure on which a building is based.--_adj._ STEREOBAT'IC. [Gr. _stereos_, solid, _batos_, verbal of _bainein_, to go.]

STEREOCHROMY, ster'[=e]-[=o]-kr[=o]-mi, _n._ a process of painting on stone or plaster-work, the colours rendered permanent by a solution of fluoric acid.--_n._ ST[=E]'REOCHROME, a picture of this kind.--_adj._ STEREOCHR[=O]'MIC.--_adv._ STEREOCHR[=O]'MICALLY. [Gr. _stereos_, hard, _chr[=o]ma_, colour.]

STEREOELECTRIC, ster'[=e]-[=o]-[=e]-lek'trik, _adj._ pertaining to electric currents produced when two solids are brought together at different temperatures.

STEREOGRAPH, st[=e]'r[=e]-[=o]-graf, _n._ a double photograph for viewing in a stereoscope--also ST[=E]'R[=E][=O]GRAM.--_adjs._ STER[=E]OGRAPH'IC, -AL, pertaining to stereography: made according to stereography: delineated on a plane.--_adv._ STER[=E]OGRAPH'ICALLY.--_n._ STER[=E]OG'RAPHY, the art of showing solids on a plane. [Gr. _stereos_, hard, _graphein_, to write.]

STEREOMETER, st[=e]-re-om'e-t[.e]r, _n._ an instrument for measuring the specific gravity of bodies solid and liquid.--_adjs._ STER[=E]OMET'RIC, -AL.--_adv._ STER[=E]OMET'RICALLY.--_n._ STER[=E]OM'ETRY, the art of measuring the solid contents of solid bodies. [Gr. _stereos_, hard, _metron_, measure.]

STEREOPTICON, ster-[=e]-op'ti-kon, _n._ a double magic-lantern, by means of which the one picture appears to dissolve gradually into the other.

STEREOSCOPE, ster'[=e]-[=o]-sk[=o]p, _n._ an instrument in which each of two pictures is examined by a separate lens, and the two lenses are inclined so as to shift the images towards one another, and thus to ensure or to facilitate the blending of the two images into one, standing out in relief with solidity.--_adjs._ STER[=E]OSCOP'IC, -AL, pertaining to the stereoscope.--_adv._ STER[=E]OSCOP'ICALLY.--_ns._ ST[=E]'R[=E]OSCOPIST; STER[=E]OS'COPY. [Gr. _stereos_, solid, _skopein_, see.]

STEREOTOMY, ster-[=e]-ot'[=o]-mi, _n._ the art of cutting solids into figures by certain sections.--_adjs._ STER[=E]O TOM'IC, -AL. [Gr. _stereos_, solid, _temnein_, to cut.]

STEREOTROPE, ster'[=e]-[=o]-tr[=o]p, _n._ an optical contrivance by which an object is brought into relief and made to appear as if in motion. [Gr. _stereos_, solid, _trop[=e]_, a turning.]

STEREOTYPE, st[=e]'r[=e]-[=o]-t[=i]p, _n._ a solid metallic plate for printing, cast from an impression of movable types, taken on some plastic substance: art of fabricating solid casts in type-metal from pages of movable type.--_adj._ pertaining to, or done with, stereotypes.--_v.t._ to make a stereotype of: to print with stereotypes.--_p.adj._ ST[=E]'REOTYPED, transferred as letterpress from set-up movable type to a mould, and thence to a metal plate: fixed; unchangeable, as opinions.--_ns._ ST[=E]'REOTYPER, ST[=E]'REOTYPIST, one who makes stereotype plates.--_adj._ ST[=E]REOTYP'IC.--_ns._ STER[=E]OTYPOG'RAPHER, a stereotype printer; ST[=E]REOTYPOG'RAPHY, the art, practice, or business of printing from stereotype plates; ST[=E]'REOTYPY, the art or employment of making stereotype plates. [Gr. _stereos_, solid, and _type_.]

STERIGMA, st[=e]-rig'ma, _n._ (_bot._) a stalk or support.--_adj._ STERIGMAT'IC. [Gr. _st[=e]rigma_, a prop.]

STERILE, ster'il, _adj._ unfruitful: barren: (_bot._) producing no pistil, or no spores: destitute of ideas or sentiment.--_n._ STERILIS[=A]'TION, act of sterilising.--_v.t._ STER'ILISE, to cause to be fruitless: to destroy bacteria or other micro-organisms in.--_ns._ STER'ILISER, anything which sterilises; STERIL'ITY, quality of being sterile: unfruitfulness, barrenness, in regard to reproduction. [O. Fr.,--L. _sterilis_, barren.]

STERLET, st[.e]r'let, _n._ a small sturgeon.

STERLING, st[.e]r'ling, _adj._ a designation of British money--pure, genuine, of good quality--also generally, of value or excellence, authoritative. [Orig. the name of a penny; prob. from the Hanse merchants or _Easterlings_ ('men from the east'), from North Germany, who had probably the privilege of coining money in England in the 13th century.]

STERN, st[.e]rn, _adj._ severe of countenance, manner, or feeling: austere: harsh: unrelenting: steadfast.--_adv._ STERN'LY.--_n._ STERN'NESS. [A.S. _styrne_.]

STERN, st[.e]rn, _n._ the hind-part of a vessel: the rump or tail of an animal.--_v.t._ to back a boat, to row backward.--_ns._ STERN'AGE (_Shak._), the steerage or stern of a ship; STERN'BOARD, backward motion of a ship: loss of way in tacking; STERN'-CHASE, a chase in which one ship follows directly in the wake of another; STERN'-CH[=A]S'ER, a cannon in the stern of a ship.--_adj._ STERNED, having a stern of a specified kind.--_ns._ STERN'-FAST, a rope or chain for making fast a ship's stern to a wharf, &c.; STERN'-FRAME, the sternpost, transoms, and fashion-pieces of a ship's stern.--_adj._ STERN'MOST, farthest astern.--_ns._ STERN'PORT, a port or opening in the stern of a ship; STERN'POST, the aftermost timber of a ship which supports the rudder; STERN'SHEETS, the part of a boat between the stern and the rowers; STERN'SON, the hinder extremity of a ship's keelson, to which the sternpost is bolted; STERN'WAY, the backward motion of a vessel; STERN'-WHEEL'ER (_U.S._), a small vessel with one large paddle-wheel at the stern. [Ice. _stjórn_, a steering.]

STERNUM, st[.e]r'num, _n._ the breast-bone.--_adj._ STER'NAL.--_n._ STERNAL'GIA, pain about the breast-bone, esp. angina pectoris.--_adjs._ STERNAL'GIC; STER'NEBRAL, pertaining to the STER'NEBRA or serial segments of which the sternum of a vertebrate is composed.--_n._ STER'NITE, the ventral portion of the somite of an arthropod.--_adjs._ STERNIT'IC; STERNOCOST'AL, pertaining to, or connected with, the sternum and ribs: denoting those ribs and muscles attached to the sternum. [Gr. _sternon_, chest.]

STERNUTATION, st[.e]r-n[=u]-t[=a]'shun, _n._ the act of sneezing.--_adjs._ STERN[=U]'T[=A]TIVE, STERN[=U]'TATORY, that causes sneezing.--_n._ a substance that causes sneezing. [L. _sternutatio_--_sternut[=a]re_, _-[=a]tum_, inten. of _sternu[)e]re_, _-utum_, to sneeze.]

STERTOROUS, st[.e]r't[=o]-rus, _adj._ snoring.--_adv._ STER'TOROUSLY.--_n._ STER'TOROUSNESS. [L. _stert[)e]re_, to snore.]

STERVE, st[.e]rv, _v.i._ (_Spens._) to starve, to die.--Also STER'VEN.

STET, stet, _v.t._ to restore--generally on proof-sheets, in imperative, with a line of dots under the words to be retained. [L., 'let it stand,' 3d sing. pres. subj. of _st[=a]re_, to stand.]

STETHIÆUM, steth-i-[=e]'um, _n._ the anterior half of a bird--opp. to _Uræum_.--_n._ STETHID'IUM, in insects, the thorax. [Gr., _st[=e]thos_, the breast.]

STETHOMETER, steth-om'e-t[.e]r, _n._ an instrument for measuring the relative mobility of the different sides of the chest in respiration.--_n._ STETH'OGRAPH, an instrument for marking the respiratory movements of the thorax.--_adj._ STETHOGRAPH'IC. [Gr. _st[=e]thos_, chest, _metron_, measure.]

STETHOSCOPE, steth'[=o]-sk[=o]p, _n._ an instrument for auscultation, consisting of a tubular piece of wood to be applied to the patient's body--in the _binaural_ form with tubes of rubber, &c., to convey the sounds to the physician's ears.--_adjs._ STETHOSCOP'IC, -AL, pertaining to, or performed by, the stethoscope.--_adv._ STETHOSCOP'ICALLY.--_ns._ STETH'OSCOPIST; STETH'OSCOPY. [Gr. _st[=e]thos_, the breast, _skopein_, to see.]

STEVEDORE, st[=e]v'e-d[=o]r, _n._ one who loads and unloads vessels. [A corr. of Sp. _estivador_, a wool-packer--_estivar_, to stow--L. _stip[=a]re,_ to press.]

STEVEN, st[=e]'vn, _n._ (_Spens._) a cry, a loud clamour. [A.S. _stefn_, the voice.]

STEW, st[=u], _v.t._ to simmer or boil slowly with little moisture.--_v.i._ to be boiled slowly and gently: (_slang_) to be in a state of worry or agitation: to read hard for an examination.--_n._ meat stewed: mental agitation: worry: (_slang_) one who reads hard: a room for bathing purposes: (_pl._) a brothel.--_ns._ STEW'-PAN, -POT, a pan, pot, used for stewing. [O. Fr. _estuve_ (_étuve_), a stove--Old High Ger. _stup[=a]_ (Ger. _stube_), a heated room.]

STEW, st[=u], _n._ an artificial oyster-bed: a vivarium.

STEWARD, st[=u]'ard, _n._ one who manages the domestic concerns of a family or institution: one who superintends another's affairs, esp. an estate or farm: the manager of the provision department, &c., at sea: a manager at races, games, &c.: the treasurer of a congregation, a guild or society, &c.--_ns._ STEW'ARDESS, a female steward: a female who waits on ladies on shipboard; STEW'ARDSHIP, STEW'ARDRY, office of a steward: management; STEW'ARTRY (_Scot._), a stewardship, or the extent of a stewardship--still applied esp. to the county of Kirkcudbright.--LORD HIGH STEWARD, one of the great officers of state, and anciently the first officer of the crown in England. [A.S. _stíg-weard_--_stigo_, a sty, _weard_, a ward.]

STHENIC, sthen'ik, _adj._ attended with increased action of the heart: strong, robust: inspiring.--_n._ STHEN[=I]'A, strength. [Gr. _sthenos_, strength.]

STIBBLER, stib'l[.e]r, _n._ one who cuts the handfuls left by the reaper: a clerical locum tenens.

STIBIUM, stib'i-um, _n._ antimony.--_adj._ STIB'IAL, like antimony.--_n._ STIB'IALISM, poisoning by antimony.--_adj._ STIB'I[=A]TED, impregnated with antimony.--_n._ STIB'NITE, native antimony trisulphide. [Gr.]

STIBOGRAM, stib'[=o]-gram, _n._ a graphic record of footprints. [Gr. _stibos_, a track, _gramma_, a letter.]

STICH, stik, _n._ a verse or line of poetry, of whatever measure--used in composition: a row of trees.--_ns._ STICH[=A]'RION, a Greek vestment like the Western alb; STICH[=E]'RON, a troparion.--_adj._ STICH'IC, pertaining to a verse.--_n._ STICH'OMANCY, divination by the assumed meaning of a verse, text of Scripture, or literary passage taken at random.--_adjs._ STICHOMET'RIC, -AL, pertaining to stichom'etry, stating the number of lines.--_ns._ STICHOM'ETRY, measurement of manuscript by lines: a list stating such; STICHOMYTH'IA, dialogue in alternate lines; STICH'OS, a line of ordinary length in measuring a manuscript: a verse or versicle in the usage of the Greek Church. [Gr. _stichos_, a row--_steichein_, to ascend.]

STICK, stik, _v.t._ to stab: to thrust in: to fasten by piercing: to fix in: to set with something pointed: to cause to adhere.--_v.i._ to hold to: to remain: to stop: to be hindered: to hesitate, to be embarrassed or puzzled: to adhere closely in affection:--_pa.t._ and _pa.p._ stuck.--_ns._ STICK'ER, one who kills pigs, &c.: one who sticks to anything; STICK'ING, the act of stabbing; STICK'ING-PLACE, the point at which a thing sticks or stays; STICK'ING-PLAS'TER, an adhesive plaster for closing wounds; STICK'-IN-THE-MUD, an old fogy; STICK'IT-MIN'ISTER (_Scot._), a licentiate who never gets a pastoral charge.--STICK AT, to hesitate: to persist at; STICK BY, to be firm in supporting, to adhere closely to; STICK OUT, to be prominent, project; STICK PIGS, to hunt wild hogs on horseback and transfix them with the spear; STICK TO, to persevere in holding to; STICK UP, to stand up: to waylay and plunder, as a mail-coach by bushrangers; STICK UP FOR, to speak or act in defence of.--BE STUCK ON (_U.S._), to be enamoured of; STUCK UP, conceited. [A.S. _stecan_ (assumed); Ger. _stechen_, Dut. _steken_; also A.S. _stician_, Ger. _stecken_, to set, stick fast.]

STICK, stik, _n._ a small shoot or branch cut off a tree: a staff or walking-stick: anything in the form of a stick, a cudgel: a piece of printers' furniture used to lock up a form in a chase, a printer's composing-stick: a stiff, stupidly obstinate person.--_v.t._ to furnish or set with sticks: to arrange in a composing-stick.--_n._ STICK'-IN'SECT, a walking-stick or phasmid insect. [A.S. _sticca_; Ice. _stika_.]

STICKLE, stik'l, _v.i._ to interpose between combatants: to contend obstinately: to hesitate.--_n._ a sharp point, a prickle, a spine.--_ns._ STICK'LEBACK, a small river-fish so called from the spines on its back; STICK'LER, a second or umpire in a duel: an obstinate contender, esp. for something trifling.--_adj._ STICK'LER-LIKE (_Shak._), in the manner of a stickler. [A dim. of _stick_ (n.).]

STICKLE, stik'l, _adj._ high, rapid.--_n._ a current below a waterfall. [A.S. _sticol_, steep.]

STICKY, stik'i, _adj._ that sticks or adheres: adhesive: glutinous.--_n._ STICK'INESS. [_Stick_.]

STIE, st[=i], _v.i._ (_Spens._) to ascend. [A.S. _stígan_.]

STIFF, stif, _adj._ not easily bent: rigid: not liquid: rather hard than soft: not easily overcome: obstinate: not natural and easy: constrained: formal: hard to overcome, difficult: firm, of prices, &c.: dead, rigid in death: (_naut._) keeping upright.--_n._ (_slang_) a corpse: negotiable paper: forged paper.--_v.t._ STIFF'EN, to make stiff.--_v.i._ to become stiff: to become less impressible or more obstinate.--_ns._ STIFF'ENER, one who, or that which, stiffens; STIFF'ENING, something used to make a substance more stiff.--_adj._ STIFF'-HEART'ED (_B._), obstinate, stubborn.--_adv._ STIFF'LY.--_n._ STIFF'-NECK, cervical myalgia, true torticollis.--_adj._ STIFF'-NECKED, obstinate, hard to move.--_ns._ STIFF'-NECK'EDNESS; STIFF'NESS.--DO A BIT OF STIFF, to accept or discount a bill. [A.S. _stíf_, stiff; Dut. _stijf_, Dan. _stiv_.]

STIFLE, st[=i]'fl, _v.t._ to stop the breath of by foul air or other means: to suffocate, smother: to extinguish: to suppress the sound of: to destroy: to suppress, conceal.--_v.i._ to suffocate.--_adj._ ST[=I]'FLING, close, oppressive. [Scand., Ice. _stífla_, to choke up; Norw. _stivla_.]

STIFLE, st[=i]'fl, _n._ the knee-joint on a horse's hind-leg, a disease of his knee-pan. [Perh. _stiff_.]

STIGMA, stig'ma, _n._ a brand: a mark of infamy: (_bot._) the top of a pistil: any special mark: a place on the skin which bleeds periodically:--_pl._ STIG'MAS or STIG'MATA.--_n._ STIGM[=A]'RIA, the root of the fossil plant sigillaria, found in the coal-measures.--_n.pl._ STIG'MATA, the marks of the wounds on Christ's body, or marks resembling them, claimed to have been miraculously impressed on the bodies of certain persons, as Francis of Assisi in 1224.--_adjs._ STIGMAT'IC, -AL, marked or branded with a stigma: giving infamy or reproach.--_adv._ STIGMAT'ICALLY.--_adj._ STIGMATIF'EROUS (_bot._), stigma-bearing.--_n._ STIGMATIS[=A]'TION, the operation or effect of producing bleeding spots upon the body, as by hypnotism.--_v.t._ STIG'MATISE, to brand with a stigma.--_n._ STIG'MATIST, one impressed with the stigmata.--_adj._ STIG'MATOSE, stigmatic: stigmatised.--_n._ STIGMAT[=O]'SIS, a form of inflammation of the skin, occurring in spots.--_adj._ STIGMATYP'IC, pertaining to the making of impressions by means of scorching-hot plates.--_ns._ STIG'MATYPY, a species of printing with points, that consists of their arrangement in pictures; STIG'M[=E] (_Gr. paleog._), a dot used as a punctuation mark, esp. at the top of the line, equivalent to a period. [L.,--Gr.,--_stizein_, to mark.]

STILBITE, stil'b[=i]t, _n._ a pearly and foliated variety of zeolite. [Gr. _stilbein_, to shine.]

STILE, st[=i]l, _n._ a step, or set of steps, for climbing over a wall or fence. [A.S. _stigel_, a step--_stígan_; cf. Ger. _steigen_, to mount.]

STILE, st[=i]l, _n._ the pin of a dial. [_Style_.]

STILETTO, sti-let'[=o], _n._ a dagger with a slender and narrow blade: a pointed instrument for making eyelet-holes:--_pl._ STILETT'OS.--_v.t._ to stab with a stiletto:--_pr.p._ stilett'oing; _pa.t._ and _pa.p._ stilett'oed. [It., dim. of _stilo_, a dagger--L. _stilus_, a stake.]

STILL, stil, _adj._ silent: motionless: calm, subdued: not sparkling or effervescing: constant.--_v.t._ to quiet: to silence: to appease: to restrain.--_adv._ always, constantly: nevertheless, for all that: even yet: after that.--_n._ calm.--_n._ STILL'-BIRTH, the state of being still-born: anything born without life.--_adj._ STILL'-BORN, dead when born.--_ns._ STILL'ER, one who stills or quiets; STILL'-LIFE, the class of pictures representing inanimate objects; STILL'NESS; STILL'-ROOM, an apartment where liquors, preserves, and the like are kept, and where tea, &c., is prepared for the table: a housekeeper's pantry; STILL'-STAND (_Shak._), absence of motion.--_adj._ STILL'Y, still: quiet: calm.--_adv._ silently: gently. [A.S. _stille_, firm; Dut. _stil_, Ger. _still_.]

STILL, stil, _v.t._ to cause to fall by drops: to distil.--_n._ an apparatus for distillation, consisting essentially of a vessel in which the liquid to be distilled is placed, the vapour being conducted by means of a head or neck to the condenser or worm, where it is cooled by water or other means, and again forms liquid.--_adj._ STILL'IFORM, drop-shaped. [L. _still[=a]re_, to cause to drop--_stilla_, a drop, or simply a contr. for _distil_, like _sport_ from _disport_.]

STILLAGE, stil'[=a]j, _n._ a frame on which things are laid.--_n._ STILL'ING, a stand.

STILLICIDE, stil'i-s[=i]d, _n._ an urban servitude among the Romans, where a proprietor was not allowed to build to the extremity of his estate, but must leave a space regulated by the charter by which the property was held, so as not to throw the eavesdrop on the land of his neighbour--same as _Eavesdrip_.--_n._ STILLICID'IUM, a morbid trickling. [L.]

STILP, stilp, _v.i._ (_Scot._) to go on crutches.--_n.pl._ STILP'ERS, crutches.

STILT, stilt, _n._ one of a pair of props or poles with steps or supports at a sufficient distance from the lower end to allow a man standing on the steps to walk clear of the ground and with longer strides: a widely distributed genus (_Himantopus_) of wading-birds belonging to the Snipe family, having long slender bills and very long wings and legs--also STILT'-BIRD, -PLOV'ER.--_v.t._ to raise on stilts: to elevate by unnatural means.--_adjs._ STILT'ED, STILT'Y, elevated as if on stilts: pompous.--_n._ STILT'EDNESS.--STILTED ARCH, an arch that does not spring directly from the impost, but from horizontal courses of masonry resting on it. [Scand., Sw. _stylta_; Dut. _stelt_, a stilt.]

STILTON, stil'ton, _n._ a rich white cheese--from _Stilton_ in Huntingdonshire.

STIME, st[=i]m, _n._ (_Scot._) a ray of light, a glimmer.--Also STYME. [A.S. _scima_, a light.]

STIMULANT, stim'[=u]-lant, _adj._ stimulating: increasing or exciting vital action.--_n._ anything that stimulates or excites: a stimulating medicine that increases the activity of the vital functions generally, or of one system or organ.--_v.t._ STIM'UL[=A]TE, to prick with anything sharp: to incite: to instigate: (_physiol._) to produce increased action in.--_n._ STIMUL[=A]'TION, act of stimulating, or condition of being stimulated.--_adj._ STIM'UL[=A]TIVE, tending to stimulate.--_n._ that which stimulates or excites.--_ns._ STIM'UL[=A]TOR, one who stimulates:--_fem._ STIM'UL[=A]TRESS; STIM'ULISM, the practice of treating diseases by stimulation; STIM'[=U]LUS, a goad: anything that rouses the mind, or that excites to action: a stimulant:--_pl._ STIM'UL[=I]. [L. _stimulus_ (for _stigmulus_)--Gr. _stizein_, to prick.]

STING, sting, _v.t._ to stick anything sharp into, to pain acutely.--_v.i._ to have a sting: to give pain:--_pa.t._ and _pa.p._ stung.--_n._ the sharp-pointed weapon of some animals: the thrust of a sting into the flesh: anything that causes acute pain: any stimulus or impulse: the point in the last verse of an epigram.--_n._ STING'ER, one who, or that which, stings.--_adv._ STING'INGLY, with stinging.--_adj._ STING'LESS, having no sting.--_n._ STING'-RAY, a genus of cartilaginous fishes, of the order of Rays, and family _Trygonidæ_, the long tail bearing dorsally a long bi-serrated spine capable of giving an ugly wound. [A.S. _stingan_; Ice. _stinga_.]

STINGO, sting'g[=o], _n._ strong malt liquor.

STINGY, stin'ji, _adj._ niggardly: avaricious.--_adv._ STIN'GILY.--_n._ STIN'GINESS, [Merely _sting-y_.]

STINK, stingk, _v.i._ to give out a strong, offensive smell: to have a bad reputation:--_pa.t._ stank; _pa.p._ stunk.--_n._ a disagreeable smell.--_ns._ STINK'ARD, one who stinks: a base fellow: the stinking badger of Java; STINK'-BALL, -POT, a ball or jar filled with a stinking, combustible mixture, used in boarding an enemy's vessel; STINK'ER, one who, or that which, stinks; STINK'ING.--_adv._ STINK'INGLY, in a stinking manner: with an offensive smell.--_ns._ STINK'STONE, a variety of limestone remarkable for the fetid urinous odour which it emits when rubbed; STINK'-TRAP, a contrivance to prevent effluvia from drains; STINK'-WOOD, the wood of a Cape tree, remarkable for its strong offensive smell, durable, taking an excellent polish resembling walnut. [A.S. _stincan_.]

STINT, stint, _v.t._ to shorten: to limit: to restrain.--_v.i._ to cease, stop: to be saving.--_n._ limit: restraint, restriction: proportion allotted, fixed amount: one of several species of sandpiper, the dunlin.--_adj._ STINT'ED, limited.--_ns._ STINT'EDNESS; STINT'ER.--_adv._ STINT'INGLY.--_adjs._ STINT'LESS; STINT'Y. [A.S. _styntan_--_stunt_, stupid.]

STIPA, st[=i]'pa, _n._ a genus of grasses, the feather-grasses. [L. _stipa_, tow.]

STIPE, st[=i]p, _n._ (_bot._) the base of a frond of a fern: also a stalk, as of a pistil, of a fungus or mushroom, of the leaf of a fern, or even the trunk of a tree.--_n._ ST[=I]'PEL, the stipule of a leaflet.--_adj._ ST[=I]'PELLATE, having stipels.--_n._ ST[=I]'PES, a stipe: a stalk or stem.--_adjs._ ST[=I]'PIFORM, STIP'ITATE, STIPIT'IFORM. [Fr.,--L. _stipes_, a stem.]

STIPEND, st[=i]'pend, _n._ a salary paid for services, esp. to a clergyman in Scotland: settled pay.--_adj._ STIPEND'IARY, receiving stipend.--_n._ one who performs services for a salary, esp. a paid magistrate.--_v.t._ STIPEN'DIATE, to provide with a salary. [L. _stipendium_--_stips_, donation, _pend[)e]re_, weigh.]

STIPPLE, stip'l, _v.t._ to engrave or form by means of dots or small points, as distinguished from line-engraving:--_pr.p._ stipp'ling; _pa.p._ stipp'led.--_n._ a mode of execution in engraving and miniature-painting, in which the effect is produced by dots instead of lines: in colour-decoration, a gradation or combination of tones or tints serving as a transition between decided colours.--_adj._ STIPP'LED.--_ns._ STIPP'LER, one who stipples: a coarse brush for stippling; STIPP'LING, stippled work of any kind. [Dut. _stippelen_, dim. of _stippen_, to dot.]

STIPULATE, stip'[=u]-l[=a]t, _v.i._ to contract: to settle terms.--_ns._ STIPUL[=A]'TION, act of stipulating: a contract; STIP'UL[=A]TOR. [L. _stipul[=a]ri_, _-[=a]tus_, prob. from old L. _stipulus_, firm, conn. with _stip[=a]re_, to press firm.]

STIPULE, stip'[=u]l, _n._ (_bot._) an appendage or lobe at the base of certain leaves, resembling a small leaf: also, a small appendage at the base of petioles, usually softer than the latter--also STIP'[=U]LA.--_adjs._ STIP'ULAR, STIP'[=U]LARY; STIP'[=U]LATE, STIP'[=U]LED. [L. _stipula_, a stalk, dim. of _stipes_.]

STIR, st[.e]r, _v.t._ to move: to rouse: to instigate.--_v.i._ to move one's self: to be active: to draw notice:--_pr.p._ stir'ring; _pa.p._ and _pa.t._ stirred.--_n._ tumult: bustle.--_n._ STIR'ABOUT, one who makes himself active: oatmeal porridge.--_adj._ busy, active.--_adj._ STIR'LESS, without stir.--_n._ STIR'RER.--_p.adj._ STIR'RING, putting in motion: active: accustomed to a busy life: animating, rousing.--STIR UP, to instigate the passions of: to put into motion or action: to enliven: to disturb. [A.S. _styrian_; Dut. _storen_, Ger. _stören_, to drive.]

STIR, st[.e]r, _v.t._ (_Spens._) to steer, to direct.

STIRK, st[.e]rk, _n._ (_Scot._) a yearling ox or cow. [A.S. _stirc_, a heifer--_steór_, a steer.]

STIRP, st[.e]rp, _n._ (_Bacon_) a family, generation, or race:--_pl._ STIR'PES. [L. _stirps_, _stirpis_.]

STIRRUP, stir'up, _n._ a ring or hoop suspended by a rope or strap from the saddle, for a horseman's foot while mounting or riding: a rope secured to a yard, having a thimble in its lower end for reeving a foot-rope.--_ns._ STIRR'UP-CUP, a cup taken by one who is departing on horseback; STIRR'UP-[=I]'RON, the ring of iron attached to the stirrup-leather to receive the foot; STIRR'UP-LEATH'ER, -STRAP, the strap of leather that supports a stirrup. [A.S. _stigeráp_--_stígan_, to mount, ráp, a _rope_.]

STITCH, stich, _n._ a pass of a needle and thread, the part of the thread left in the fabric, a single loop or link: the kind of work produced by stitching--buttonhole-_stitch_, cross-_stitch_, &c.: the space between two double furrows: a fastening, as of thread or wire, through the back of a book to connect the leaves: an acute pain, a sharp spasmodic pain, esp. in the intercostal muscles: a bit of clothing, a rag.--_v.t._ to sew so as to show a regular line of stitches: to sew or unite.--_v.i._ to practise stitching.--_ns._ STITCH'ER; STITCH'ERY (_Shak._), needle-work; STITCH'ING, the act of one who stitches: needle-work done in such a way that a continuous line of stitches appears on the surface; STITCH'WORT, a genus of slender plants, including the chickweed, so called because once believed to cure 'stitch' in the side. [A.S. _stice_, a prick; Ger. _sticken_, to embroider; conn. with _stick_.]

STITHY, stith'i, _n._ an anvil: a smith's shop.--_v.t._ to forge on an anvil. [Ice. _stethi_; Sw. _städ_, an anvil.]

STIVE, st[=i]v, _v.i._ (_prov._) to stew, to be stifled.--_adj._ ST[=I]'VY, close, stuffy.

STIVER, st[=i]'v[.e]r, _n._ a Dutch coin, worth one penny sterling: any small coin. [Dut. _stuiver_.]

STOA, st[=o]'a, _n._ a portico or covered colonnade round a house, market-place, &c.

STOAT, st[=o]t, _n._ a kind of weasel, called the ermine when in its winter dress.--Also STOTE. [_Stot_.]

STOB, stob, _n._ a small post for supporting paling: a wedge in coal-mining. [A variant of _stub_.]

STOCCADE, stok-[=a]d', STOCCADO, stok-[=a]'do, _n._ a thrust in fencing--(_Shak._) STOCCA'TA. [It. _stoccata_, a thrust--_stocco_, a rapier--Ger. _stock_, a stick.]

STOCK, stok, _n._ something stuck or thrust in: the stem of a tree or plant: the trunk which receives a graft: a post, a log: anything fixed solid and senseless: a stupid person: the crank-shaped handle of a centre-bit: the wood in which the barrel of a firearm is fixed: the cross-piece of timber into which the shank of an anchor is inserted: the part to which others are attached: the original progenitor: family: a fund, capital, shares of a public debt: store: the cattle, horses, and other useful animals kept on a farm: the liquor or broth obtained by boiling meat, the foundation for soup: a stiff band worn as a cravat, often fastened with a buckle at the back: (_pl._) an instrument in which the legs of offenders were confined: the frame for a ship while building: the public funds.--_v.t._ to store: to supply: to fill: to supply with domestic animals or stock: to refrain from milking cows for 24 hours or more previous to sale.--_adj._ kept in stock, standing.--_ns._ STOCK'BREED'ER, one who raises live-stock; STOCK'BROKER, a broker who deals in stocks or shares; STOCK'BROKING, the business of a stockbroker; STOCK'-DOVE, the wild pigeon of Europe; STOCK'-EP'ITHET, any ordinary and conventional epithet; STOCK'-EXCHANGE', the place where stocks are bought and sold: an association of sharebrokers and dealers; STOCK'-FARM'ER, a farmer who rears live-stock, as cattle, &c.; STOCK'-FEED'ER, one who feeds or fattens live-stock; STOCK'HOLDER, one who holds stocks in the public funds, or in a company; STOCK'-IN-TRADE, the whole goods a shopkeeper keeps on sale: a person's mental resources; STOCK'-JOB'BER; STOCK'-JOB'BERY, -JOB'BING, speculating in stocks; STOCK'-LIST, a list of stocks and current prices regularly issued; STOCK'MAN, a herdsman who has the charge of stock on a sheep-run in Australia; STOCK'-MAR'KET, a market for the sale of stocks, the stock-exchange; STOCK'-POT, the pot in which the stock for soup is kept; STOCK'-RID'ER, a herdsman on an Australian station; STOCK'-SADD'LE, a saddle with heavy tree and iron horn; STOCK'-ST[=A]'TION, a station where stock and cattle are reared; STOCK'-WHIP, a whip with short handle and long lash for use in herding; STOCK'WORK, a deposit in which the ore is distributed all over it; STOCK'YARD, a large yard with pens, stables, &c. where cattle are kept for slaughter, market, &c.--TAKE STOCK, to make an inventory of goods on hand: to make an estimate of; TAKE STOCK IN, to take a share in, to put confidence in. [A.S. _stocc_, a stick; Ger. _stock_.]

STOCK, stok, _n._ a favourite garden-flower. [Orig. called _stock-gillyflower_, to distinguish it from the stemless clove-pink, called the _gillyflower_.]

STOCKADE, stok-[=a]d', _n._ a breastwork formed of stakes fixed in the ground.--_v.t._ to fortify with such. [Fr. _estocade_--_estoc_--Ger. _stock_, stick.]

STOCKFISH, stok'fish, n, a commercial name of salted and dried cod and other fish of the same family, esp. ling, hake, and torsk.