Emily Dickinson Lexicon

STUD, n. [Sax. stod, studu; Ice. stod; D. stut; Sw. stöd; G. stütze, a stay or prop; stützen, to butt at, to gore; Dan. stöder, to push, to thrust, G. stossen. The sense of the root is to set, to thrust. It coincides with stead, place, Ir. stadam, to stay or stand, stid, a prop.]

1. In building, a small piece of timber or joist inserted in the sills and beams, between the posts, to support the beams or other main timbers. The hoards on the outside and the laths on the inside of a building, are also nailed to the studs.
2. A nail with a large head, inserted in, work chiefly for ornament; an ornamental knob. A belt of straw, and ivy buds, / With coral clasps and amber studs. – Ralegh. Crystal and myrrhine cups, emboss'd with gems / And studs of pearl. – Milton.
3. A collection of breeding horses and mares; or the place where they are kept. In the studs of Ireland, where care is taken, we see horses, bred of excellent shape, vigor and fire. – Temple.
4. A button for a shirt sleeve.