stays
/steɪz/noun
Definitions
Continuance or a period of time spent in a place; abode for an indefinite time; sojourn.
Example: I hope you enjoyed your stay in Hawaii.
A postponement, especially of an execution or other punishment.
Example: The governor granted a stay of execution.
A stop; a halt; a break or cessation of action, motion, or progress.
Example: stand at a stay
A fixed state; fixedness; stability; permanence.
verb
Definitions
To prop; support; sustain; hold up; steady.
To support from sinking; to sustain with strength; to satisfy in part or for the time.
To stop; detain; keep back; delay; hinder.
To restrain; withhold; check; stop.
noun
Definitions
A prop; a support.
A piece of stiff material, such as plastic or whalebone, used to stiffen a piece of clothing.
Example: Where are the stays for my collar?
(in the plural) A corset.
A fastening for a garment; a hook; a clasp; anything to hang another thing on.
noun
Definitions
A strong rope or wire supporting a mast, and leading from one masthead down to some other, or other part of the vessel.
A guy, rope, or wire supporting or stabilizing a platform, such as a bridge, a pole, such as a tentpole, the mast of a derrick, or other structural element.
Example: The engineer insisted on using stays for the scaffolding.
The transverse piece in a chain-cable link.
verb
Definitions
To brace or support with a stay or stays
Example: stay a mast
To incline forward, aft, or to one side by means of stays.
To tack; put on the other tack.
Example: to stay ship
To change; tack; go about; be in stays, as a ship.
noun
Definitions
A corset.