Emily Dickinson Lexicon

STAG'GER, v.t.

1. To cause to reel. – Shak.
2. To cause to doubt and waver; to make to hesitate; to make less steady or confident; to shock. Whoever will read the story of this war, will find himself much staggered. – Howell. When a prince fails in honor and justice, It is enough to stagger his people in their allegiance. – L'Estrange.