Emily Dickinson Lexicon

stability, n. [OE < L. 'to stand'.]

Power to remain erect; steadfastness; resistence to change.

stable, n. [OFr 'cowhouse, pigsty' < L. 'stall, enclosure or fold for animals' < stare, to stand.]

building in which horses are kept and fed.

stack, v. [ON 'haystack'.]

Pile; heap of things.

stag, n. [OE 'male animal in its prime'.]

Male deer; buck.

stagger (-ed), v. [altered form of stacker < ON stakra, to push; Gr. 'to stammer'.]

1. Walk unsteadily; stumble.
2. Waver; give way.
3. Stammer; stutter.

staggering, adj. [see stagger, v.]

1. Causing to reel; amazing; astounding; enormous.
2. Hesitating; undecided.

staging (-s), n. [OE 'support for a net, side of a ladder'; It. 'station, dwelling' < L. stāre, to stand.]

Temporary platform; scaffolding.

stagnant, adj. [L. 'to be overflowed'.]

Not flowing; unmoving; inactive.

staid, adj. [see stay, v.]

Sober; grave; settled; straight-laced; not flighty.

stain (-s), n. [see stain, v.]

1. Discoloration; variation in color.
2. Taint of guilt; sin.