Definition of stay

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