stay

verb

1. To remain in a particular place, especially for a definite or short period of time; sojourn; abide.

   “We stayed in Hawaii for a week. I can only stay for an hour.”

2. To continue to have a particular quality.

   “Wear gloves so your hands stay warm.”

3. To prop; support; sustain; hold up; steady.

4. To support from sinking; to sustain with strength; to satisfy in part or for the time.

noun

1. Continuance or a period of time spent in a place; abode for an indefinite time.

   “I hope you enjoyed your stay in Hawaii.”

2. A postponement, especially of an execution or other punishment.

   “The governor granted a stay of execution.”

3. A stop; a halt; a break or cessation of action, motion, or progress.

   “stand at a stay”

4. A fixed state; fixedness; stability; permanence.

noun

1. A prop; a support.

2. A piece of stiff material, such as plastic or whalebone, used to stiffen a piece of clothing.

   “Where are the stays for my collar?”

3. A corset.

4. A fastening for a garment; a hook; a clasp; anything to hang another thing on.

particle

1. Aspect marker indicating frequency or permanence.

   “He stay fighting.”

noun

1. A strong rope or wire supporting a mast, and leading from one masthead down to some other, or other part of the vessel.

2. A guy, rope, or wire supporting or stabilizing a platform, such as a bridge, a pole, such as a tentpole, the mast of a derrick, or other structural element.

   “The engineer insisted on using stays for the scaffolding.”

3. The transverse piece in a chain-cable link.