Stay (Noun)
Meaning 1
A thin strip of metal or bone that is used to stiffen a garment (e.g. a corset).
Classification
Nouns denoting man-made objects.
Examples
- The 18th-century corset was reinforced with multiple stays to create a rigid silhouette.
- The textile student carefully sewed the stay into the bodice to maintain its shape.
- The old-fashioned girdle featured a metal stay that dug uncomfortably into her skin.
- A broken stay was a common problem for women during the Victorian era, often requiring emergency repairs.
- Historians have discovered various types of stays used throughout history, from bone to metal to ivory.
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Meaning 2
A judicial order forbidding some action until an event occurs or the order is lifted; "the Supreme Court has the power to stay an injunction pending an appeal to the whole Court".
Classification
Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents.
Examples
- The court granted a stay of execution to allow the defendant's lawyers to file an appeal.
- The judge issued a stay on the eviction order until the tenant could find alternative housing.
- The Supreme Court has the power to stay an injunction pending an appeal to the whole Court.
- The company filed for a stay of the bankruptcy proceedings to give it time to restructure its debt.
- The court granted a stay of the trial to allow the prosecution to gather more evidence.
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Meaning 3
Continuing or remaining in a place or state; "they had a nice stay in Paris"; "a lengthy hospital stay"; "a four-month stay in bankruptcy court".
Classification
Nouns denoting acts or actions.
Examples
- She spent three days at the spa enjoying a relaxing stay with plenty of pampering.
- His hospital stay was lengthy, lasting over a month before he was able to recover fully.
- Their dreamy Hawaiian vacation stay ended all too soon.
- A five-day stay at a business conference kept him busy in New York.
- During their five-year stay in Germany, they became fluent in the language.
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Meaning 4
(nautical) brace consisting of a heavy rope or wire cable used as a support for a mast or spar.
Classification
Nouns denoting man-made objects.
Examples
- The crew adjusted the stay to secure the mast in place before setting sail.
- A broken stay can cause the mast to collapse, putting the entire ship at risk.
- The bosun carefully inspected the stay for signs of wear or damage.
- The stay was made of a sturdy wire cable that could withstand the harsh marine environment.
- After the storm, the sailors had to re-tighten the stay to ensure the mast remained stable.
Hypernyms
Meaning 5
The state of inactivity following an interruption; "the negotiations were in arrest"; "held them in check"; "during the halt he got some lunch"; "the momentary stay enabled him to escape the blow"; "he spent the entire stop in his seat".
Classification
Nouns denoting natural processes.
Examples
- The judge granted a stay of execution to allow for further appeals to be heard.
- The team was given a stay of several days to regroup and reassess their strategy.
- The company was forced to put its expansion plans on stay due to financial difficulties.
- The court issued a stay on the eviction order, giving the family more time to find a new home.
- The referee called a stay in the game to allow the injured player to receive medical attention.