Emily Dickinson Lexicon

STAG'NANT, a. [L. stagnans, from stagno, to be without a flowing motion, It. stagnare. Qu. W. tagu, to stop.]

1. Not flowing; not running in a current or stream; as, a stagnant lake or pond; stagnant blood in the veins.
2. Motionless; still; not agitated; as, water quiet and stagnant. – Woodward. The gloomy slumber of the stagnant soul. – Johnson.
3. Not active; dull; not brisk; as, business is stagnant.