Emily Dickinson Lexicon

STA'BLE, a. [L. stabilis; Fr. stable; It. stabile. The primary sense is set, fixed. See Stab.]

1. Fixed; firmly established; not to be easily moved, shaken or overthrown; as, a stable government.
2. Steady in purpose; constant; firm in resolution; not easily diverted from a purpose; not fickle or wavering; as, a stable man; a stable character.
3. Fixed; steady; firm; not easily surrendered or abandoned; as, a man of stable principles.
4. Durable; not subject to be overthrown or changed. In this region of chance and vanity, where nothing is stable. – Rogers.