Stay, n. [Cf. OF. estai, F. étai support, and E. stay a rope to support
a mast.] 1. That which serves as a prop; a support. "My only strength
and stay." Milton.
Trees serve as so many stays for their vines.
Addison.
Lord Liverpool is the single stay of this ministry.
Coleridge.
2. pl. A corset stiffened with whalebone or other material, worn by
women, and rarely by men.
How the strait stays the slender waist constrain.
Gay.
3. Continuance in a place; abode for a space of time; sojourn; as, you
make a short stay in this city.
Make haste, and leave thy business and thy care; No mortal interest
can be worth thy stay.
Dryden.
Embrace the hero and his stay implore.
Waller.