Etymology dictionary

stalagmite (n.) — starship (n.)

stalagmite (n.)

cone-shaped formation of carbonate of lime on the floor of a cave, 1680s, from Modern Latin stalagmites (1650s, Olaus Wormius), from Greek stalagmos "dropping, dripping," or stalagma "a drop, drip, that which drops," from stalassein "to trickle" (see stalactite). Related: Stalagmitic; stalagmitical.

stale (adj.)

c. 1300, "freed from dregs or lees" (of ale, wine, etc.), probably literally "having stood long enough to clear," from Old French estale "settled, clear," from estal "place, fixed position," from Frankish *stal- "position," from Proto-Germanic *stol-, from PIE root *stel- "to put, stand, put in order," with derivatives referring to a standing object or place.

Cognate with Middle Dutch stel "stale" (of beer and old urine). Originally a desirable quality (in beer and wine), "old," hence "strong." The meaning "not fresh, the worse for keeping" is by late 15c., of bread or food; "old," hence "lifeless."

The figurative sense (in reference to immaterial things) "old and trite, hackneyed" is recorded from 1560s. As a noun, "that which has become tasteless by exposure," hence "a prostitute" (in Shakespeare, etc.). Related: Staleness.

stale (v.)

early 15c., "allow (beer, wine) to clear by sitting," from stale (adj.). Related: Staled; staling.

stalemate (n.)

1765, in chess, "position in which a player not in check has no available moves in his turn," from stale "stalemate" (mid-15c.) + mate (n.2) "checkmate." Middle English stale probably is from Anglo-French estaler "to stalemate" "standstill," which is related to Old French estal "fixed position, place; stall of a stable, market, or choir," from a Germanic source akin to Old High German stal "standing place" (see stall (n.1)).

A misnomer, because a stale is not a mate. "In England from the 17th c. to the beginning of the 19th c. the player who received stalemate won the game" [OED]. The figurative sense "position in which no action can be take" is recorded from 1885. As a verb from 1765; the figurative use of the verb is from 1861.

Stalin

Russian, literally "steel," assumed name of Soviet Communist Party and Soviet Union leader Iosif Vissarionovich Dzhugashvili (1879-1953). Related: Stalinesque. Also see Molotov.

Stalinism (n.)

"policies pursued by the Soviet dictator Joseph "Stalin" 1927; see Stalin + -ism. Related: Stalinist; Stalinite; Stalinize.

Stalingrad

name of southern Russian city from 1925-1961, from Stalin (q.v.) + -grad (see yard (n.1)). Now Volgograd, formerly Tsaritsyn (1589), from Turkish sarisin "yellowish," in reference to the river water, but associated in Russian with Tsar.

stalk (v.2)

[walk haughtily, walk with stiff, high steps] 1520s, perhaps from stalk (n.) with a notion of "long, awkward strides." The sense is nearly opposite to that of stalk (v.1), yet some suggest this is a special sense of it. Also compare Old English stealcung "a stalking, act of going stealthily," which is related to stealc "steep, lofty."

stalking (adj.)

"walking softly or stealthily" mid-15c., present-participle adjective from stalk (v.1).

A stalking-horse (1510s) in literal use was a horse draped in trappings and trained to allow a fowler to conceal himself behind it to get within range of game; the figurative sense of "person who participates in a proceeding to disguise its real or more important purpose" is recorded from 1610s (Webster, "White Devil").

stalk (n.)

"stem or main axis of a plant," early 14c., probably a diminutive (with -k suffix) of Middle English stale "one of the uprights of a ladder, handle, stalk," from Old English stalu "wooden part" (of a tool or instrument), from Proto-Germanic *stalla- (source also of Old English steala "stalk, support," steall "place"). This is reconstructed to be from PIE *stol-no-, suffixed form of *stol-, variant of root *stel- "to put, stand, put in order," with derivatives referring to a standing object or place.

In reference to similar slender, shaft-like structures in animals from mid-15c.

stalk (v.1)

[pursue stealthily] Middle English stalken, "walk cautiously or stealthily, step quietly and softly," from Old English -stealcian, as in bestealcian "to steal along, walk warily," from Proto-Germanic *stalkon, frequentative of PIE *stel-, which is possibly a variant of *ster- (3) "to rob, steal" (see steal (v.), and compare stealth).

Compare hark/hear, talk/tell. In another view the Old English word might be influenced by stalk (n.). It was used by late 14c. in reference to persons approached cautiously; by 1823 as "pursue (game) by stealthy approach." The meaning "harass obsessively" is recorded by 1991. Related: Stalked; stalking.

stalker (n.)

early 15c. (c. 1200 in surnames, e.g. Amabil la Stalker), "a poacher, a hunter, one who stalks game," agent noun from stalk (v.1). The meaning "obsessive harasser" is from early 1990s.

stall (n.2)

[pretense or evasive story to avoid doing something] 1851, slang, earlier stall-off (1812), from the earlier sense of "thief's assistant" (1590s, Greene, "Conny Catching," also staller), especially a pick-pocket's assistant who diverts the attention of the victim and assists in the escape, from a variant of stale "bird used as a decoy to lure other birds" (early 15c.), from Anglo-French estale "decoy, pigeon used to lure a hawk" (13c., compare stool pigeon). The etymological sense is "standstill." It is from Old French estal "place, stand, stall," from Frankish *stal- "position," which is ultimately from Germanic and cognate with Old English steall (see stall (n.1)).

Compare Old English stælhran "decoy reindeer," German stellvogel "decoy bird." The figurative sense of "deception, means of allurement" is recorded by 1520s. Also compare stall (v.2).

stall (v.2)

1590s, "distract a victim and thus screen a pickpocket from observation," from stall (n.2) in the sense of "decoy." The meaning "prevaricate, be evasive, play for time" is attested from 1903. Related: Stalled; stalling. Compare old slang stalling ken "house for receiving stolen goods" (1560s).

stall (v.1)

[stop] c. 1400, stallen, "come to a stand" (intransitive); mid-15c., "become stuck or be set fast," especially in mud or mire; from Old French estale or Old English steall (see stall (n.1)).

The transitive sense of "place (someone) in (ecclesiastical) office, install" is from late 14c.; the specific sense of "place an animal in a stall" is by late 14c. In reference to engines or engine-powered vehicles, "enter a stall," it is attested from 1904 (transitive), 1914 (intransitive); in reference to an aircraft "lose lift," by 1910. Related: Stalled; stalling.

stall (n.3)

"action of losing lift, power, or motion," 1918 of aircraft, 1959 of automobile engines, from stall (v.1).

stall (n.1)

[place in a stable for animals] Middle English stalle, from Old English steall "standing place, any fixed place or position, state; place where cattle are kept, stable; fishing ground," from Proto-Germanic *stalli- (source also of Old Norse stallr "pedestal for idols, altar; crib, manger," Old Frisian stal, Old High German stall "stand, place, stable, stall," German Stall "stable," Stelle "place").

This is perhaps from PIE *stol-no-, suffixed form of root *stel- "to put, stand, put in order," with derivatives referring to a standing object or place. Compare stallion, install.

Several meanings, including that of "a stand for selling" (mid-13c., implied in stallage), probably are from (or influenced by) Anglo-French and Old French estal "station, position; stall of a stable; stall in a market; a standing still; a standing firm" (12c., Modern French étal "butcher's stall"). This, along with Italian stallo "place," stalla "stable" is a borrowing from a Germanic source from the same root as the native English word.

The sense of "booth or bench for selling merchandise, money-changing, etc." is by late 14c. The meaning "partially enclosed fixed seat in a choir" is attested from c. 1400; that of "urinal or divided compartment in a series in a lavatory" is by 1967. The word formerly was used more broadly; in Middle English, to stand stall was "to be of help or avail;" a homestall (Old English hamsteal) was a homestead, a finger-stall a thimble or finger of a glove.

stalling (n.)

"action of being evasive," 1927, verbal noun from stall (v.2). Earlier it meant "induction into ecclesiastical office" (late 14c.), "action of furnishing with stalls" (1510s). The sense of "condition of coming to an unexpected halt" is by 1808.

stallage (n.)

"tax levied or fee charged for the privilege of erecting or using a stall at a market or fair," late 14c. (mid-13c. in Anglo-Latin), from Old French estalage, estallage, Anglo-French stallage, Medieval Latin stallagium, all ultimately from a Germanic source (see stall (n.1); also see -age). Hence stallager "person who sells goods from a market stall" (mid-14c.).

stallion (n.)

mid-15c., earlier staloun (c. 1300), "male horse kept for breeding purposes," from Anglo-French estaloun, Old French estalon "stallion, uncastrated male horse" (Modern French étalon), from Frankish *stal, cognate with Old High German stal "stable," from Proto-Germanic *stol-, from PIE root *stel- "to put, stand, put in order," with derivatives referring to a standing object or place. The Medieval Latin form of the word, stalonus, is the source of Italian stallone. The notion is probably of a horse kept in a stable to service mares, rather than for work or war. The transferred sense of "robustly lascivious man" is attested from 1550s.

stalwart (adj.)

late 14c., of persons, "resolute, determined," a Scottish variant of Middle English stalworth, "physically strong, powerful," also "brave, courageous, valiant," which is from Old English stælwierðe "good, serviceable." This probably is a contracted compound of staðol "base, foundation, support; stability, security" (from Proto-Germanic *stathlaz, from PIE root *sta- "to stand, make or be firm") + wierðe "good, excellent, worthy" (see worth).

Another theory traces the first element of stælwierðe to Old English stæl "place," from Proto-Germanic *stælaz, ultimately from the same root as staðol. Middle English also had stalle (adj.) "unyielding, relentless, courageous" (c. 1200) from the noun (see stall (n.)). Related: Stalworthily; stalwartly; stalwartness. Stalwart (n.) was common in U.S. political writing from 1877 through 1880s in reference to various factions (mostly of the Republican Party) considered uncompromisingly partisan.

stamen (n.)

"pollen-bearing organ of a flower," 1660s, from Modern Latin (1625, Spigelus), from Latin stamen "stamen" (Pliny), literally "foundation in weaving, thread of the warp" in the upright loom (related to stare "to stand"), from PIE *sta-men- (source also of Greek stēmōn "warp in the upright loom," also used by Hesychius for some part of a plant, Gothic stoma, Sanskrit sthaman "place," also "strength"), from root *sta- "to stand, make or be firm." The usual English plural is stamens because of the special use of the classical plural, stamina (q.v.).

stamina (n.)

1670s, "rudiments or original elements of something," from Latin stamina "threads," plural of stamen (genitive staminis) "thread, warp" (see stamen).

The sense of "power to resist or recover, strength, endurance" is attested by 1726 (originally plural), from the earlier meaning "congenital vital capacities of a person or animal," on which the duration of life was supposed to depend, which is based on the word's original English notion of "that which is the principal support of any thing." It is also perhaps partly from a figurative use of Latin stamen "the warp (of cloth)" on the notion of the warp as the "foundation" of a fabric, and also in part from use of the Latin word in reference to the threads spun by the Fates (such as queri nimio de stamine "too long a thread of life"), a sense of stamen attested in English by 1701.

Related: Staminal. Middle English stamine (c. 1200) was linsey-woolsey or other woolen cloth, from Old French estamine (Modern French étamine) from Latin stamineus "consisting of threads," from stamen.

Stammbaum (n.)

"family tree," especially of languages, 1939, a German word in English, from German Stammbaum (by 1866 in this sense), from Stamm "tree, trunk" (see stem (n.)) + Baum "tree" (see beam (n.)).

stammer (v.)

Middle English stameren, from Old English stamerian "to stammer, stutter, hesitate or falter in speaking," from Proto-Germanic *stamro-, which is the source also of Old Norse stammr "stammering," Old Saxon stamaron, Gothic stamms "stammering," Middle Dutch and Dutch stameren, Old High German stammalon, German stammeln "to stammer." It is a frequentative verb related to adjective forms such as Old Frisian and German stumm "mute."

The transitive sense of "utter or pronounce hesitatingly or imperfectly" is by 1810. Related: Stammered; stammerer; stammering; stammeringly.

stammer (n.)

"defective utterance, a stutter," 1773, from stammer (v.).

Stammtisch (n.)

"table reserved for regular customers in a German restaurant," 1938, a German word in English, from German Stammtisch, from Stamm "cadre," literally "tree, trunk" (see stem (n.)) + tisch "table" (see dish (n.)).

stamp (n.)

mid-15c., stampe, "instrument for crushing, stamping tool," from stamp (v.). Perhaps earlier (compare Old English pil-stampe "pestle"). Later especially "instrument for making impressions on a coin, medal, etc." (by 1570s). The meaning "forcible downward thrust or blow with the foot, act of stamping" is from 1580s.

The sense of "official mark or imprint" (to certify that duty has been paid on what has been printed or written) dates from 1540s; it was transferred 1837 to designed, pre-printed adhesive labels issued by governments to serve the same purpose as impressed stamps. U.S. postage stamps were issued under the Post Office Act of March 3, 1847; Britain had them earlier, under the Postage Act of 1839.

German Stempel "rubber stamp; brand, postmark" represents a diminutive form. Stamp-collecting is by 1862 (earlier than philately) as are stamp-collector and stamp-album.

stamp (v.)

Middle English stampen "pound, mash, beat, crush," from Old English stempan "to pound, crush, or bruise in or as in a mortar," from Proto-Germanic *stamp- (source also of Old Norse stappa, Danish stampe, Middle Dutch stampen, Old High German stampfon, German stampfen "to stamp with the foot, beat, pound," German Stampfe "pestle"), from nasalized form of PIE root *stebh- "to support, place firmly on" (source also of Greek stembein "to trample, misuse;" see staff (n.)). The vowel altered in Middle English, perhaps by influence of Scandinavian forms.

The intransitive sense of "strike the foot forcibly downwards" is from mid-14c. That of "tread heavily" is from late 14c. Transitive sense of "strike or beat with a forcible downward thrust of the foot" is from late 15c. Related: Stamping.

The meaning "impress or mark (a design on something) with a die" is attested by mid-15c. (implied in stamped). Italian stampa "stamp, impression," Spanish estampar "to stamp, print," French étamper (13c., Old French estamper) "to stamp, impress" are Germanic loan-words. The meaning "affix a postage stamp to" is by 1837.

To stamp out originally was "extinguish a fire by stamping on it;" attested from 1851 in the figurative sense. Stamping ground "one's particular territory" (1821) is from the notion of animals. A stamped addressed envelope (1873) was one you enclosed in a letter to speed or elicit a reply.

stampede (n.)

1836 (also in early use stampedo, 1839; stampiado, 1828), "A general scamper of animals on the Western prairies, generally caused by a fright" [Bartlett], especially among cattle or horses, from Mexican Spanish estampida, a particular use of Spanish estampida "an uproar, crash, loud report," from estamper "to stamp, press, pound," from Provençal estampier "to stamp," from the same Germanic root that yielded English stamp (v.).

In figurative reference to a sudden rush or flight of humans, by 1836 in U.S. politics.

stampede (v.)

1823, "become generally panic stricken and take flight" (intransitive); 1838 in transitive sense of "put to flight, cause to take flight in a panic," from stampede (n.). Related: Stampeded; stampeding.

-stan

place-name element in Afghanistan, Pakistan, etc., from Persian -stan "country," from Indo-Iranian *stanam "place," literally "where one stands," from PIE *sta-no-, suffixed form of root *sta- "to stand, make or be firm."

stance (n.)

1530s, "standing place, station," probably from French stance "resting place, harbor" (16c.), from Vulgar Latin *stantia "place, abode" (also source of Italian stanza "stopping place, station, stanza," Spanish stancia "a dwelling"), from Latin stans (genitive stantis), present participle of stare "to stand" (from PIE root *sta- "to stand, make or be firm").

The sense of "position of the feet" (in golf, etc.) is recorded by 1897; the figurative sense of "point of view, attitude toward a particular topic or object" is by 1956. The sense of the French word has since narrowed to "stanza."

stanch (v.)

"to stop the flow of" (especially of blood), early 14c., staunchen, "cause cessation of bleeding," from Old French estanchier "cause to cease flowing (of blood), stop, hinder; extinguish (of fire); tire, exhaust, drain" (Modern French étancher), from Vulgar Latin *stancare, which is perhaps contracted from *stagnicare, from Latin stagnum "pond, pool" (see stagnate). But Barnhart says it probably is from Latin stantio, present participle of stare "to stand." The transferred sense of "overcome, alleviate, cure, appease, put an end to" (pain, etc.) was in Middle English.

stanchion (n.)

early 14c., in architecture, "post, pillar, or beam used for support," from Old French estanchon "prop, brace, support" (13c., Modern French étançon), which is probably from estant "upright," from present participle of ester "be upright, stand," from Latin stare "to stand" (from PIE root *sta- "to stand, make or be firm").

stand (n.)

Middle English stonde, "place, place of standing, position," from the verb or in some senses perhaps a continuation of Old English stand "a pause, delay, state of rest or inaction," itself from the root of stand (v.). Compare Dutch and German stand (n.).

The sense of "action of standing or coming to a position" is attested from late 14c., especially in reference to combat (1590s), "a holding of one's ground against an enemy or opponent." Hence the sporting use in reference to prolonged defensive resistance (1812). The meaning "state of being unable to proceed" in speech, action, etc., is from 1590s.

The meaning "raised platform for a hunter or sportsman" is attested from c. 1400; that of "raised platform for spectators at an open-air event" is from 1610s. The meaning "piece of furniture on which something is to be set" is from 1690s; the sense of "stall or booth" is recorded from c. 1500.

The military meaning "complete set" (of arms, colors, etc.) is from 1721, often a collective singular. The sense of "standing growth" (usually of trees) is by 1868, American English. The theatrical sense of "each stop made on a performance tour" is from 1895. The word formerly also was slang for an erection (1867).

standing (n.)

mid-13c., stonding, "action or fact of standing upright," in any sense, verbal noun from stand (v.). By late 14c. as "base or foundation," also "an office, position," also "the action of stopping;" by c. 1400 as "a position; act of remaining in place."

In the sense of "rank, status, relative position" it is recorded by 1570s. Also from 1570s as "length of service, appearance, etc." The sense of "state of having existed for some time" is by 1650s. The legal sense is recorded by 1924. The sports sense is from 1881.

To be in good standing is from 1789. Standing room "space sufficient (only) for standing" is from 1788, originally in reference to theaters. SRO for "standing room only" is attested by 1890.

stand (v.)

Middle English stonden, standen, from Old English standan "occupy a place; stand firm; congeal; stay, continue, abide; be valid, take place; oppose, resist attack; stand up, be on one's feet; consist, amount to" (class VI strong verb; past tense stod, past participle standen).

This is from Proto-Germanic *standanan, source also of Old Norse standa, Old Saxon standan, Old Frisian stonda, Gothic standan, Old High German stantan, which are related to simpler forms, such as Swedish stå, Dutch staan, also German stehen, with vowel perhaps altered by influence of gehen "go"), ultimately from PIE root *sta- "to stand, make or be firm."

The sense of "exist, be present" is attested from c. 1300. The meaning "to cost" is from mid-14c. (for sense, compare cost (v.), from Latin constare, literally "to stand at"). The meaning "be so high when standing" is from 1831.

The meaning "encounter without flinching or retreating" is from 1590s; that of "endure successfully, undergo, come through" is from c. 1600. The weaker sense of "put up with" is attested by 1620s (to not stand it is by 1750).

The meaning "submit" (to chances, etc.) is from c. 1700. The meaning "pay for as a treat" is from 1821. The sense of "become a candidate for office" is from 1550s. Nautical sense of "hold a course at sea" is from 1620s.

Stand back "keep (one's) distance" is from late 14c. To stand down is from 1680s, originally of witnesses in court; in the military sense of "come off duty" it is by 1916. To stand one's ground is by 1620s; to stand one's chances is by 1725.

Phrase stand pat (1869) is from poker, "declare one's intention to play one's hand as dealt," also figurative, earlier simply stand (1824 in other card games).

The phrase stand to reason (1620) "be reasonable; be natural, evident, or certain," is from earlier stands with reason; the notion in the verb is "adheres to, conforms with."

To let (something) stand is from c. 1200. The construction stand and (deliver, etc.) was in late Old English in Biblical translations.

standing (adj.)

late 14c., "at rest, motionless," also "permanent, lasting, not transient," present-participle adjective from stand (v.). The meaning "having an erect position, upright" is from 1570s; that of "done while standing" is from 1630s. The sense in standing army (c. 1600) is "permanent." Standing ovation is so called from 1902.

stand-alone (adj.)

1966, in computing, from the verbal phrase (by late 14c.); see stand (v.) + alone.

standardize (v.)

also standardise, "compare to or conform with a standard, regulate by a standard," 1854, a hybrid from standard (adj.) + -ize. Related: Standardized; standardizing. The earlier verb was simply standard (1690s).

standardization (n.)

also standardisation, "act or process of bringing to a uniform size, quality, etc.," 1886, originally in pharmacology publications, noun of action from standardize.

standard (adj.)

"serving as a standard," by 1620s, perhaps mid-15c., from standard (n.2). Earlier it meant "stationary" (early 15c.), "upright" (1530s). Standard-bred (adj.), "bred up to some agreed-upon standard of excellence" is from 1878, generally of horses but originally of fowls. Standard time (1870) is that based on the local meridian in reference to Greenwich.

standard (n.2)

"weight, measure, or instrument by which the accuracy of others is determined," late 14c., apparently a particular use of standard (n.1) "military standard, banner," but the sense evolution is "somewhat obscure" [OED].

The official standard weights and measures were set by royal ordinance and were known by 14c. as the king's standard, so perhaps the use is metaphoric, the royal standard coming to stand for royal authority in matters such as the setting of weights and measures.

Or [Century Dictionary] the word might come directly from the battle-flag sense and the notion might be "that to which one turns" or "that which is set up."

Especially in reference to the proportion of fine metal in coinage as established by authority (mid-15c.). Hence the meaning "authoritative or recognized exemplar of quality or correctness" (late 15c.).

The meaning "rule, principal or means of judgment" is from 1560s. That of "definite level of attainment" is attested from 1711 (as in standard of living, which is by 1903).

standard (n.1)

mid-12c., "distinctive flag or other conspicuous object displayed from a position in battle to serve as a rallying point for a military force," from shortened form of Old French estandart "military standard, banner" (Anglo-French estandard) and in part from Medieval Latin standardum.

According to Barnhart, Watkins and others, these are probably from Frankish *standhard, literally "stand fast or firm," a compound of unrecorded Frankish words cognate with stand (v.) and hard (adj.). It would have been so called because the flag was fixed to a pole or spear and stuck in the ground to stand upright.

The other theory [OED, etc.] calls this folk-etymology and connects the Old French word to estendre "to stretch out," from Latin extendere (see extend).

Some senses (such as "upright pole," mid-15c.) seem to be influenced by, if they are not from, stand (v.). It was used in Middle English of a wider variety of standing or upright things: a pole, a tall stump, a candlestick, a tower.

The cognate words in other modern Germanic languages are likewise from French or Italian. Standard-bearer in the figurative sense is from 1560s (the literal sense is by mid-15c.).

stand-by (n.)

also standby, 1796, "that which stands by one," originally nautical, of a vessel kept nearby for emergencies, from verbal phrase stand by "await, support, remain beside" (mid-13c.), earlier "stand near, stand and watch" (late 12c.); see stand (v.) + by (prep); also compare bystander.

In reference to persons, the meaning "state of being ready for duty" is by 1946. In civil aviation, as an adjective meaning "without a booked ticket," from 1961. As an order to hold one's self in readiness, it is recorded from 1660s. As "something on which one can rely," by 1861.

stand for (v.)

verbal phrase, attested by c. 1300 as "count for, be counted or considered as;" early 14c. as "be considered in lieu of;" late 14c. as "represent by way of sign." See stand (v.) + for (prep.). The sense of "put up with, tolerate" is attested from 1620s; modern use in this sense seems to be late 19c. U.S. colloquial.

standholder (n.)

also stand-holder, "one who keeps or does business from a stall or booth in a market," by 1835, from stand (n.) + agent noun from hold (v.).

stand-in (n.)

"one who substitutes for another," 1928, in film-making, from the verbal phrase, attested from 1904 in show business slang in the sense "to substitute, to fill the place of another," from the verbal phrase; see stand (v.) + in (adv.).

standoff (n.)

also stand-off, 1843, "a draw, a tie," from the verbal phrase (attested from c. 1600 in literal and figurative senses of "a holding or keeping off"). See off (prep.) + stand (v.), here with an implication of motion, "step, advance, retire," etc.

standoffish (adj.)

in reference to persons, "reserved, distant, holding others off," 1826, colloquial, from the verbal phrase stand off in the sense of "hold aloof" (attested from c. 1600); see stand (v.) + off (adv.). Related: Standoffishly; standoffishness.

stand-out (n.)

also standout, "one who is eminent," 1928, from the verbal phrase; see stand (v.) + out (adv.). To stand out is attested from 1530s as "project or seem to project," 1826 in the figurative sense "be prominent," by 1856 in painting, etc., as "be conspicuous (against a dark background).

Earlier the noun was used in a sense of "a labor strike" (1898; compare walk-out). Standout as an adjective in the "eminent" sense is by 1932.

stand-pipe (n.)

"upright pipe," in various technical senses, 1810, from stand (v.) + pipe (n.).

standpoint (n.)

1829, "position at which one stands," from stand (v.) + point (n.). The mental sense of "position from which one's observations were taken and opinions formed" is by 1851.

It is a loan-translation of German Standpunkt, which is attested by 1760s in the literal sense and by 1806 in the mental sense. Century Dictionary calls standpoint "a word objected to by purists."

standstill (n.)

"a halt, state of cessation of movement," 1702, from the verbal phrase; see stand (v.) + still (adv.). Earlier at a standstill would have been expressed simply by at a stand.

stand-up (adj.)

1811, "courageous," originally in pugilism and denoting a manful contest without fake falls, etc., from the verbal phrase; see stand (v.) + up (adv.).

The verbal phrase stand up is attested by early 12c. in the sense of "rise to one's feet;" the meaning "hold oneself against an opponent, make a stand against" is from c. 1600.

The verbal phrase stand up to "confront or face boldly" is by 1620s. To stand up for "defend the cause of" is from c. 1600 (compare stand for).

To stand (someone) up "fail to keep an appointment" is attested from 1902.

As an adjective, "standing erect, upright" (originally of collars, etc.), by 1767; stand-up comic is attested by 1952, in reference to (and in a quote from) Danny Thomas. The catch-phrase will the real _______ please stand up? is from the popular CBS television game show "To Tell the Truth," which debuted in 1956.

Stanford-Binet

intelligence test, first published 1916 as a revision and extension of the Binet-Simon intelligence tests, named for Stanford University (California, U.S.) + the name of French psychologist Alfred Binet (1857-1911), who devised the attempt at a scientific measurement of intelligence.

stanine (n.)

"nine-point scale for test scores," said to have been introduced by the U.S. Air Force in 1942, from standard (n.2) + nine.

Stanislavsky (adj.)

in reference to a method of acting, 1924, from the name of the Russian actor and director Konstantin Stanislavsky (1863-1938).

stank (v.)

Old English stanc, past tense of stink (v.).

stank (n.)

"pond, pool; ditch, dike," early 14c. (mid-13c. in surnames), from Old French estanc (Modern French étang) and Medieval Latin stanca, from a Gallo-Romance *stanco (source also of Spanish estanque), which is probably a verbal noun [OED] from *stancare "to dam up," ultimately from Latin stagnum "pond, pool" (see stagnate). As a verb by 1650s. Related: Stanked; stanking.

stannary (n.)

usually in plural, Stannaries, the name of a district of tin mines and smelting works in Cornwall and Devon, mid-15c., ultimately from Late Latin stannum "tin" (see stannic).

As the industry was important and had its own ancient customs, the Stannaries were under jurisdiction of special courts (Court of Stannary) by 1460s, which were notorious for irregular summary proceedings. The courts and the jail for it in Devon were at Lydford, hence:

stannate (n.)

salt of stannic acid, 1797, from Late Latin stannum "tin" (see stannic) + -ate (3).

stannic (adj.)

"containing tin, of or pertaining to tin," 1790, with -ic + Modern Latin stannum, from Late Latin stannum "tin" (earlier "alloy of silver and lead"), a scribal alteration of Latin stagnum. This word probably is from a Celtic language (compare Irish stan "tin," Cornish and Breton sten, Welsh ystaen). Tin, essential in making bronze, was mined in Celtic regions in what is now Spain and southwestern England, and in the early Roman era the Gallic Celts were masters of bronze metalworking. The Latin word is the source of Italian stagno, French étain, Spanish estaño "tin."

stannous (adj.)

"of, pertaining to, or containing tin," 1829, from Late Latin stannum "tin" (see stannic) + -ous. Especially of certain compounds.

stanza (n.)

"group of rhymed verse lines arranged in fixed sequence as to length and metrics," normally forming a division in a larger work, 1580s, from Italian stanza "verse of a poem," originally "standing, stopping place," from Vulgar Latin *stantia "a stanza of verse," so called from the stop at the end of it, from Latin stantem (nominative stans), present participle of stare "to stand" (from PIE root *sta- "to stand, make or be firm"). Related: Stanzaic; stanzaical.

stapes (n.)

"stirrup-shaped bone in the middle ear," 1660s, from Modern Latin (1560s), where it is a special use of Medieval Latin stapes "stirrup," itself probably an alteration of Late Latin stapia and related to stare "to stand" (from PIE root *sta- "to stand, make or be firm"). The Modern Latin word is a 16c. invention in this sense; there was no classical Latin word for "stirrup," as the ancients did not use them.

staph

a colloquial short form of staphylococcus attested by 1933.

staphylococcus (n.)

(plural staphylococci), 1887, the genus name, coined in Modern Latin (on model of streptococcus) in 1882 by Scottish surgeon and bacteriologist Alexander Ogston (1844-1929). The first element is from Greek staphylē "bunch of grapes," which possibly is from PIE *stabh-, variant of *stebh- "post, stem; to support" (see staff (n.)), but Beekes pronounces it Pre-Greek.

The second element is Modern Latin coccus "spherical bacterium," a Latinized form of Greek kokkos "berry, grain" (see cocco-). They are so called because the bacteria usually bunch together in irregular masses.

staple (n.2)

[principal article grown or made in a country or district] mid-14c., "official market for some class of merchandise, town where certain commodities are taken for sale" (a sense now obsolete), from Anglo-French estaple (14c.), Old French estaple "counter, stall; regulated market, depot."

This is from a Germanic source akin to Middle Low German stapol, Middle Dutch stapel "market," literally "pillar, foundation," from the same source as staple (n.1), the notion perhaps being of market stalls behind pillars of an arcade, or of a raised platform where the king's deputies administered judgment.

The sense of "principal article grown or made in a place" is by 1610s, short for staple ware "wares and goods from a market" (early 15c.) or similar phrases. The extended meaning "principle element or ingredient in anything" is from 1826.

As an adjective, 1610s as "of or pertaining to a market or mart;" hence "chief, principal."

The meaning "fiber of any material used for spinning" is attested from late 15c., but is of uncertain origin and perhaps is a different word.

staple (n.1)

late 13c., stapel, "bent piece of metal with pointed ends," from Old English stapol, stapel "post, pillar, trunk of a tree, steps to a house," from Proto-Germanic *stapulaz "pillar" (source also of Old Norse stopull "tower," Old Saxon stapal "candle, small tub," Old Frisian stapul "scaffold; stem of a tooth," Middle Dutch stappel, stapele "grade, step, basis;" Dutch stapel "a prop, foot-rest, seat," Middle Low German stapel "block for executions," German Stapel "stake, beam").

This formerly was said to be from PIE stebh- (see staff (n.)), but Boutkan points out that Pokorny's entry for that proposed root is made up of "semantically differing material," and gives it no IE etymology, speculating that it is probably a North European substratum word.

A general Germanic word that apparently evolved a specialized meaning in English, though OED finds the connection unclear and suggests the later sense in English might not be the same word.

The meaning "piece of thin wire, bent and formed with two points, driven through papers to hold them together" is attested from 1895.

staple (v.)

late 14c., staplen, "fix by means of a large metal clasp," from staple (n.1). It is attested by 1898 as "fix with a wire paper fastener." Stapled is attested late 13c. as "built with pillars." Related: Stapling.

stapler (n.)

mechanical device for driving staples, by 1949; agent noun from staple (v.). Long before, it meant "a merchant of the staple, a monopolist" (1510s).

star (v.)

1590s, "mark with a star," from star (n.). By 1718 as "set with stars, adorn with star-like ornaments." By 1827 as "mark with an asterisk." In reference to actors, singers, etc., "perform the lead part," by 1824; the similar sense in sports is by 1916. Related: Starred; starring. Chaucer has stellify for "turn (someone) into a constellation."

star (n.)

"celestial body appearing as a luminous point," Middle English sterre, from Old English steorra "star," from Proto-Germanic *sternan- (source also of Old Saxon sterro, Old Frisian stera, Dutch ster, Old High German sterro, German Stern, Old Norse stjarna, Swedish stjerna, Danish stierne, Gothic stairno). This is from PIE root *ster- (2) "star."

Used originally of the apparently fixed celestial bodies, which is the restricted modern sense. But it also was used of planets and comets, as preserved in falling star (late 15c.) "meteor;" morning star "Venus at dawn" (Old English), etc.

The astrological sense of "influence of planets and zodiac on human affairs" is recorded from mid-13c., hence "person's fate as figured in the stars" (c. 1600; star-crossed "ill-fated," literally "born under a malignant star," here meaning "planet," is from "Romeo and Juliet," 1592; star-struck is by 1787). The astrological sense also is in expressions such as My stars!, thank (one's) stars, both 1590s.

The meaning "leading performer" is from 1824, originally of actors and singers; the sense of "outstanding performer in a sport" is by 1916; star turn "principal act or song in a show" is by 1898.

Stars as a ranking of quality for hotels, restaurants, etc. are attested by 1886, originally in Baedecker guides. Sticker stars as rewards for good students are recorded by 1977. A brass star as a police badge is recorded from 1859 (New York City).

The astronomical star-cluster is from 1870. Star-shower "meteor shower" is by 1818. To see stars when one is hit hard on the head is from 1839.

starboard (n.)

"side of a vessel on one's right when facing the bow," Middle English sterebord, from Old English steorbord, literally "steer-board, side on which a vessel was steered," with bord "ship's side" (see board (n.2)) + steor "rudder, steering paddle," from Proto-Germanic *steuro "a steering" (compare German Steuer). This is reconstructed to be from PIE *steu-, a secondary form of the root *sta- "to stand, make or be firm." Similar formation are in Old Norse stjornborði, Low German stürbord, Dutch stuurboord, German Steuerbord. Compare larboard, port (n.4).

According to OED, early Germanic peoples' boats were propelled and steered by a paddle on the right side. The opposite side of the ship sometimes in Germanic was the "back-board" (Old English bæcbord). French tribord (Old French estribord), Italian stribordo "starboard" are Germanic loan-words.

starch (v.)

late 14c., sterchen, "stiffen with starch," probably from Old English *stercan (Mercian), *stiercan (West Saxon) "make rigid," the past-participle of which seems to be preserved in stercedferhð "fixed, hard, resolute." It is related to stearc "stiff," from Proto-Germanic *starkjanan "to make hard" (source also of Old Norse staerkja, Old Saxon stercian, Old Frisian sterka, Middle Dutch sterken "strengthen," Swedish stärka "to starch"), from PIE root *ster- (1) "stiff." Also compare German Stärke "strength; starch." Related: Starched; starching.

starch (n.)

"pasty substance made from flour and used to stiffen or whiten cloth," mid-15c., sterche, from starch (v.). The figurative sense of "stiffness and formality of manner" is recorded from 1705.

Star Chamber (n.)

late 14c., the name of the apartment in the royal palace at Westminster in which members of the king's council sat to exercise jurisdiction 14c.-15c., it evolved 15c. into a court of criminal jurisdiction, infamous under James I and Charles I for arbitrary and oppressive proceedings. It was abolished 1641. Supposedly it was so called because gilt stars had been painted on the ceiling. Later there was a star on the door.

starchy (adj.)

1778, "resembling or abounding in starch," from starch (n.) + -y (2). Figurative sense of "stiff, precise, formal in manner" is by 1828. Related: Starchily; starchiness.

stardom (n.)

1860 in reference to the world and activities of celebrity performers, from star (n.) + -dom. From 1856 in reference to the celestial sort.

stardust (n.)

also star-dust, 1836 in reference to irresolvable nebulas among star-fields in telescopic views; by 1868 as "meteoric dust," from star (n.) + dust (n.). The Hoagy Carmichael song dates from 1927.

stare (v.)

Old English starian "to gaze steadily with the eyes wide open, look fixedly at, be wide-eyed" (with madness, awe, etc.), from Proto-Germanic *staren "be rigid" (source also of Old Norse stara, Middle Low German and Middle Dutch staren, Old High German staren, German starren "to stare at;" German starren "to stiffen," starr "stiff;" Old Norse storr "proud;" Old High German storren "to stand out, project;" Gothic andstaurran "to be obstinate"), from PIE root *ster- (1) "stiff."

Not originally implying rudeness. To stare (someone) down is from 1848; expressions for "subject (someone) to the intimidating power of a stare" date from 1670s. Related: Stared; staring. Staring contest is attested by 1895.

stare (n.2)

"European starling," from Old English (see starling).

stare (n.1)

late 14c., "the power of sight" (a sense now obsolete), from stare (v.). It is attested from c. 1700 as "a fixed gaze, the act of one who stares."

stare decisis (n.)

the legal doctrine of being bound by precedents, Latin, literally "to stand by things decided;" from stare "to stand" (from PIE root *sta- "to stand, make or be firm"). The second element is from decidere "to decide, determine," literally "to cut off," from de- "off" (see de-) + caedere "to cut" (see -cide).

starfish (n.)

also star-fish, "echinoderm with five or more arms radiating from a central disk," 1530s, starrefyshe, from star (n.) + fish (n.). Also simply star. Greek astēr also was "a starfish."

star-fruit (n.)

fruit of Damasonium stellatum, a tree of Southeast Asia, 1857, from star (n.) + fruit (n.). So called for its shape.

star-gazer (n.)

"one who observes and studies the stars," originally also "an astronomer or astrologer," 1550s, from star (n.) + agent noun from gaze (v.). Related: Star-gazing (n.), 1570s; star-gaze (v.), 1620s. Star-peeper "an astrologer" is from 1630s.

stark (adj.)

Old English stearc "stiff, strong, rigid (as in death), obstinate; stern, severe, hard; harsh, rough, violent," from Proto-Germanic *starka- (source also of Old Norse starkr, Danish sterk, Old Frisian sterk, Middle Dutch starc, Old High German starah, German stark, Gothic *starks), from PIE root *ster- (1) "stiff." From the same root as stern (adj.).

The meaning "utter, sheer, complete" is recorded by c. 1300, perhaps from the notion of "strict," or "all-powerful" or by influence of the common phrase stark dead (late 14c.), with stark mistaken as an intensive adjective.

The sense of "bare, barren" is from 1833. In Middle English also "stiff with fear or emotion," also, of buildings, etc., "strongly made." As an adverb from c. 1200, "firmly, strongly." Related: Starkly; starkness.

Stark-raving (adj.) is from 1640s; earlier stark-staring 1530s (excessive staring was a mark of madness and in Middle English staring wood was "stark mad").

stark-naked (adj.)

of a person, "entirely without clothing," 1520s, deformed (by influence of stark (adj.)) from Middle English start naked (early 13c.), from stert, start "tail of an animal," from Old English steort "tail, rump," from Proto-Germanic *stertaz (source also of Old Norse stertr, Danish stjert, Middle Dutch stert, Dutch staart, Old High German sterz, German Sterz), from PIE *sterd-, extended form of root *ster- (1) "stiff."

The notion is perhaps "naked to the tail," hence completely naked (also compare modern colloquial bare-assed "completely naked"). Hence British slang starkers "naked" (1923).

starling (n.)

the European starling, a gregarious oscine passerine bird, Sturnus vulgaris, from Old English stærlinc "starling," with diminutive suffix -linc (see -ling) + stær "starling," from Proto-Germanic *staraz (source also of Old English stearn, Old Norse stari, Norwegian stare, Old High German stara, German star "starling"), from PIE *storo- "starling" (source also of Latin sturnus "starling," Old Prussian starnite "gull").

starless (adj.)

"having no visible stars," late 14c., from star (n.) + -less.

starlet (n.)

1825, "small star," from star (n.) + diminutive suffix -let. The meaning "promising young female performer" is from 1911, in reference to Italian soprano Emma Trentini (1878-1959) ["The Theatre" magazine, March issue].

starlight (n.)

also star-light, "the light proceeding from stars; the time when the stars shine," late 14c., from star (n.) + light (n.). Star-beam "ray of starlight" is from early 15c.

starlit (adj.)

also star-lit, "lighted by stars," 1813, from star (n.) + lit (adj.). Compare starlight.

starry (adj.)

late 14c., sterri, "filled with or lit by stars," from star (n.) + -y (2). The sense of "shining like a star" is from c. 1600. The figurative starry-eyed "unrealistically optimistic" is attested by 1884; earlier the phrase was descriptive of bright eyes shining like stars. Related: Starrily; starriness.