Stew, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Stewed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Stewing.] [OE.
stuven, OF. estuver, F. étuver, fr. OF. estuve, F. étuve, a sweating
house, a room heated for a bath; probably of Teutonic origin, and akin
to E. stove. See Stove, and cf. Stive to stew.] To boil slowly, or with
the simmering or moderate heat; to seethe; to cook in a little liquid,
over a gentle fire, without boiling; as, to stew meat; to stew oysters;
to stew apples.
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Stew (?), v. i. To be seethed or cooked in a slow, gentle manner, or in
heat and moisture.
Stew, n. [OE. stue, stuwe, OF. estuve. See Stew, v. t.] 1. A place of
stewing or seething; a place where hot bathes are furnished; a
hothouse. [Obs.]
As burning Ætna from his boiling stew Doth belch out flames.
Spenser.
The Lydians were inhibited by Cyrus to use any armor, and give
themselves to baths and stews.
Abp. Abbot.