Meaning & Definition of word "Stave"
to
Stave
/steɪv/
noun:
- 1. A vertical wooden post or plank in a building or structure, particularly in a barrel or tank.
- Example: The barrel is made of staves that are tightly fitted together.
- 2. The five lines and four spaces on which music is written.
- Example: The notes were carefully placed on the stave for the musicians to read.
verb:
- 1. To break something by force; to cause to break or shatter.
- Example: They staved the door in during the storm to gain entrance to the building.
- 2. To avert or delay something undesirable.
- Example: They worked hard to stave off the impending disaster.
Etymology
Middle English stave, from Old English stafa, meaning post or rod.
Common Phrases and Expressions
stave off:
To prevent something undesirable from happening.
stave in:
To cause something to collapse inward.
staves of a barrel:
The vertical planks that make up the sides of a barrel.
Related Words
staff:
A pole or rod, often used for support or as a weapon.
stick:
A slender piece of wood or other material.
Slang Meanings of stave
Meaning: To stave up
Example Sentence: He staved up the party with his wild stories.