stablen.1
/ˈsteɪbl/, U.S. /ˈsteɪb(ə)l/ 1.
a. A building fitted with stalls, loose-boxes, rack and manger and harness appliances, in which horses are kept. Formerly used in a wider sense: †a building in which domestic animals, as cattle, goats, etc. are kept.
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the world > food and drink > farming > animal husbandry > animal enclosure or house general > [noun] > animal house
houseOE
stablec1250
standing?1440
helm1501
barth1570
stablet1585
hive1653
barn1770
animal shelter1891
the world > food and drink > farming > animal husbandry > keeping or management of horses > [noun] > stabling > stable
horse-housec1175
stablec1250
guest-stable1471
livery stable1661
brush stable1835
livery1888
boarding-stable1903
run-in shed1946
stable block1977
c1250 Owl & Night. 629 Vor hors a stable, & oxe a stalle, boþ al þat hom wule þar falle.
1297 R. Gloucester's Chron. (Rolls) 5669 And þe hous of malmesbury..He made hit stable to his hors.
1340 Ayenbite (1866) 210 Huo..þet mest heþ hors mest him fayleþ gromes and stablen.
a1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden Polychron. (St. John's Cambr.) (1872) IV. 153 Also bestes þat were i-woned to lyve among men forsoke stable and lesewe.
c1405 (c1387–95) G. Chaucer Canterbury Tales Prol. (Hengwrt) (2003) l. 168 Ful many a deyntee hors hadde he in stable.
1463 in Manners & Househ. Expenses Eng. (1841) 152 My mastyre alowyd hys fermour..ffor otys that he toke to my lordys stable..v.s. x.d.
1511 in J. B. Paul Accts. Treasurer Scotl. (1902) IV. 262 Item, to ane grume of the stabulez of Falkland..xiij s.
a1538 T. Starkey Dial. Pole & Lupset (1989) 49 Wher hath byn many housys & churchys..you schal fynd no thyng but schypcotys & stabullys.
1588 Exch. Rolls Scot. XXI. 360 David Murray, ane of the kingis majesties maisteris of stabill.
1611 Bible (King James) Ezek. xxv. 5 And I will make Rabbah a stable for camels. View more context for this quotation
1660 F. Brooke tr. V. Le Blanc World Surveyed 139 'Twas thought the King distributed the best part of the horses in his stable.
1785 W. Cowper Task iii. 463 The stable yields a stercoraceous heap.
1819 W. Scott Bride of Lammermoor iv, in Tales of my Landlord 3rd Ser. II. 76 I shall chuse a better stable for my horse than the Kelpie's quick-sand.
1841 C. Dickens Old Curiosity Shop i. xvi. 179 The whole house hurried away into an empty stable where the show stood.
1864 Ld. Tennyson Aylmer's Field in Enoch Arden, etc. 57 When they ran To loose him [sc. a dog] at the stables.
b. See Augean adj. stable.
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the world > physical sensation > cleanness and dirtiness > dirtiness > dirty place > [noun]
fenc888
longayne1340
sloven's inn?1518
slut's corner1570
sink1590
Augean stable1596
spittle1624
spital1771
expectoratory1836
mill-tail1854
stable1903
pisshole1928
1903 Westm. Gaz. 28 Jan. 9/1 Because the financiers..have set themselves to clear up the stable, and put things upon a more honest and reputable footing.
1909 I. G. Sieveking Mem. F. W. Newman xiv. 301 Here is indeed the mind of a modern Hercules in its strong rational suggestions as to how this particular ‘stable’ must be swept out.
c. to talk stable: to talk of ‘horsy’ matters.
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the mind > language > speech > conversation > converse [verb (intransitive)] > talk about particular things
to talk stable1853
1853 F. E. Smedley Harry Coverdale's Courtship viii, in Sharpe's London Mag. July 134/1 We shall have him on our hands, talking stable, and wishing we were dogs and horses, for a whole week!
d. transferred and figurative. Also in straight from the stable = straight from the horse's mouth at horse n. 25d.
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the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > conformity with what is known, truth > foundation in fact, validity > [adverb] > from the original source
straight from the stable1907
1907 Lady Monkswell Diary 13 July in Victorian Diarist (1946) II. 188 The beautiful Surrey landscape looks down into this purgatory of motor stables & everything that motors require.
1922 J. Joyce Ulysses ii. vii. [Aeolus] 140 Tell him that straight from the stable.
1949 A. Christie Crooked House iii. 14 My information..came from the stable itself... She dined with me.
e. to go out of the stable: (of a horse) to be entered for a race.
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society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > racing or race > horse racing > engage in horse racing [verb (intransitive)] > be entered for race
to go out of the stable1882
1882 Daily Tel. 30 Jan. Mr. Linde allowed Seaman, Lord Chancellor, and Woodbrook to go out of the stable one after the other.
2.
a. A collection (of horses) belonging to one stable.
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the world > animals > mammals > group Ungulata (hoofed) > family Equidae (general equines) > equus caballus or horse > [noun] > belonging to one stable
stable1576
studa1661
stable companion1868
stable-mate1941
1576 A. Fleming tr. G. Macropedius in Panoplie Epist. 373 If you take learning and knowledge from among men, what doe you else make of a publique bodye, but a stable of Asses.
a1684 J. Evelyn Diary anno 1646 (1955) II. 504 Then he shew'd us a stable of brave horses, with his Menage & Cavalerizzo.
1776 in Peterson Mag. Jan. 60/1 The Congress seem to stumble at every step. I do not mean one or two of the cattle, but the whole stable.
b. slang. A group of prostitutes working for the same person or organization.
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society > morality > moral evil > licentiousness > unchastity > prostitution > [noun] > a prostitute > group working for same organization
string1913
stable1937
1937 J. Weidman I can get it for you Wholesale xvi. 156 ‘Meet the stable,’ he said, waving his hand to take in the girls... ‘You want a knockdown to something?’
1940 ‘J. Crad’ Traders in Women i. 26 He..now runs a ‘stable’ of white women for coloured seamen in Cardiff.
1973 C. Milner & R. Milner Black Players (new ed.) ii. 35 Many players [sc. pimps] have several ladies, who constitute their stable.
1979 N. Hynd False Flags xi. 91 The consulate maintained a stable of young women..whose only purposes were those of sexual entrapment.
c. transferred. (In quots., of motor vehicles.)
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society > travel > means of travel > a conveyance > vehicle > powered vehicle > [noun] > motor vehicle > a collection of
stud1904
stable1949
1949 Sun (Baltimore) 29 July 12/3 The man who owned a stable of bulldozers laughed and said, ‘We'll do it tomorrow morning.’
1974 Spartanburg (S. Carolina) Herald 18 Apr. c1/2 John Greenwood, a self-made millionaire, announced Wednesday that his stable of Corvettes would be running out of John Green Automotive garage on highway 221 at I-85.
3.
a. An establishment where race-horses are trained; a racing-stable. Also, the horses belonging to a particular racing-stable; the proprietors and staff of such an establishment.
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society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > racing or race > horse racing > [noun] > race-training establishment
stablea1809
a1809 T. Holcroft Memoirs (1816) I. i. xvii. 165 As the prize to be obtained was great, the whole stable was on the alert.
1865 C. J. Lever Luttrell lvi These were painful reflections, and made him think that very probably he had ‘been backing the wrong stable’.
1868 Field 11 July 29/2 De Vere disappointed her stable very much by being the first beaten.
1884 H. Smart From Post to Finish vi William Greyson's is not a large stable; still he has a tolerable good string.
b. transferred. An establishment where boxers are trained; a group of boxers under the same management.
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society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > fighting sports > boxing > [noun] > training establishment or group
stable1897
1897 National Police Gaz. (U.S.) 26 May 11/4 His boxing academy at..Dale End, Birmingham, is being largely supported, and some likely lads will shortly emerge from Anthony's stable.
1936 Sun (Baltimore) 16 Mar. 3/3 He insisted his occupation was manager of prizefighters, but the arresting detectives failed to recognize the pugilists he mentioned as his ‘stable’.
1953 Chicago Daily Sun-Times 29 Dec. 40/5 Some years ago Rocky's hometown pal, Al Columbo, sent Marciano to New York as a candidate for membership in the Weill stable.
1976 Scotsman 24 Dec. 15/1 Maurice Hope..becomes the third member of the East London stable managed by Terry Lawless.
c. A team or organization which prepares motor cars for racing; a group of racing cars owned by the same enterprise.
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society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > racing or race > racing with vehicles > motor racing > [noun] > driver > team or organization
stable1935
1935 G. E. T. Eyston & B. Lyndon Motor Racing ii. 20 The Italian term [scuderia] finds its equivalent in.. our own ‘stable’, and the formation of such terms among racing men is a development of very recent years.
1935 G. E. T. Eyston & B. Lyndon Motor Racing vii. 65 Every important Continental racing stable was represented.
1957 S. Moss In Track of Speed v. 61 He returned to Europe at the head of a racing stable of mechanics.
1966 Publ. Amer. Dial. Soc. 1964 xlii. 8 Scuderia.., a stable of cars, usually privately entered.
d. More widely, an establishment which trains or produces persons, etc., esp. of a characteristic quality or type. Also, a group of persons (spec. in publishing) under the same management or trained at the same place.
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society > education > place of education > [noun]
schoolOE
universityc1300
academyc1550
nursery1581
training place1581
seminarya1604
cathedral1644
teaching house1849
separate school1852
nursing home1880
stable1942
society > communication > printing > publishing > publisher > [noun] > group with same training or management
stable1942
1942 Tee Emm (Air Ministry) 2 137 Robert..takes the lead in the latest offering from the Air Ministry Instructional Film stables.
1951 Sun (Baltimore) 19 June 7/2 Best known in the SRP's stable of führers is Remer.
1963 Listener 14 Mar. 458/1 The now-famous group centred on George Webb..which used to meet at the ‘Red Barn’, Bexleyheath, the stable out of which Humphrey Lyttelton came, played, typically, for a small audience of each other.
1970 C. L. Cline in G. Meredith Lett. I. 37 Lucas recruited the best staff of artists in the business..mainly from the Punch stable.
1977 ‘J. le Carré’ Honourable Schoolboy i. 17 Luke..had been the star turn in his magazine's Saigon stable of war reporters.
e. In colloquial phrase from the same stable, from the same source.
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the world > relative properties > relationship > in relation to [phrase] > closely related to the point
near the mark1581
from the same stable1950
the world > existence and causation > causation > source or origin > [adverb] > from the same source
from the same stable1950
1950 Sun (Baltimore) 6 Jan. 5 (caption) This jet plane is from the same stable as the Comet.
1959 Listener 2 July 36/1 I would be interested to hear a play from the same stable.
1962 H. O. Beecheno Introd. Business Stud. v. 42 We find many competing products are coming from the same ‘stables’.
1972 G. Bell Villains Galore xiv. 213 No one was quite sure who Boote actually was, except that he was from the same stable as Stallion.
4. Military. Used in plural for: Duty or work in the stables; also the bugle-call for this duty, stable-call.
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society > armed hostility > military service > [noun] > military duty > type of duty
guard1596
picket duty1764
fatigue1776
light duty1810
fatigue-work1846
fatigue duty1856
stable1885
skirt duty1922
staff-work1923
society > armed hostility > military organization > signals > [noun] > cavalry signals
mountee1415
tucket1605
boute-selle1628
boot and saddle1697
watering call1798
stable-call1889
stable1908
1885 Morning Post 5 Feb. (Cass.) They seem always at stables, on parade, or out doing field-firing.
1908 Animal Managem. (War Office) 83 The usual hours for stables at Home are [etc.].
1908 Animal Managem. (War Office) 83 As soon as this is done ‘Stables’ should sound, when every man should be with his horse.
1908 Animal Managem. (War Office) 84 At evening stables the horses are to be watered.
Compounds
C1. General attributive. Simple attributive.
a. † stable chamber n. Obsolete† stable fee n. Obsolete Scottish
stable-bail n. bail n.3 4.
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1737 E. Hoppus Salmon's Country Builder's Estimator (ed. 2) 103 Pins, Hooks, Chains, &c. to Stable-Bails.
stable broom n.
ΚΠ
1819 W. Scott Legend of Montrose x, in Tales of my Landlord 3rd Ser. IV. 220 A bed as hard as a stable broom.
stable brush n.
ΚΠ
1862 Catal. Internat. Exhib., Brit. II. No. 4535 Stable brushes.
stable bucket n.
ΚΠ
1842 S. Lover Handy Andy i But that's not nigh the full o' the stable-bucket!
ΚΠ
1582 in W. Greenwell Wills & Inventories Registry Durham (1860) II. 45 In the stable chaumbre. In the chaumbre within the stable; one bedsteade [etc.].
stable-court n.
ΚΠ
1816 Gentleman's Mag. 86 i. 38 On the right, the chapel, stable-court,..&c.
1848 W. M. Thackeray Pendennis (1850) I. iv. 40 Pen..was presently heard riding out of the stable-court.
stable-dog n.
ΚΠ
1865 Our Young Folks I. 461 It began to be remarked that this was a stable-dog, educated for the coach-boy and stable.
ΚΠ
1529 in J. D. Marwick Extracts Rec. Burgh Edinb. (1871) II. 6 At thai tak na stabill fee fra the personis that lugis with thame.
stable fittings n.
ΚΠ
1862 Catal. Internat. Exhib., Brit. II. No. 6106 Stable fittings.
stable-fork n.
ΚΠ
1837 T. Carlyle French Revol. II. iv. vi. 242 The very Ostlers have stable-forks and flails.
stable-gate n.
ΚΠ
?1602 Narcissus (MS Bodl. Rawl. poet. 212) (1893) 264 It is too late, When steede is stolne to shutt the stable gate [cf. stable door n.]
stable-girl n.
ΚΠ
1967 N. Freeling Strike Out 36 He blusters..shouting at the stable-girls.
stable guard n. Military
ΚΠ
1908 Animal Managem. (War Office) 84 A stable guard should invariably be posted while the men are away from stables.
stable-jacket n.
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1852 C. M. Yonge Two Guardians i. 12 Edmund..seeing a boy in a stable jacket, asked Marian if he should not let him lead the ponies round by the drive.
1884 H. Smart From Post to Finish vi A..lad, attired in a grey tweed stable-jacket, moleskin trousers,..and a tweed cap.
stable jockey n.
ΚΠ
1971 D. Francis Bonecrack xvi. 215 ‘You can stay on..if you like.’.. ‘What as?’ he said apprehensively... ‘Stable jockey,’ I said.
stable lantern n.
stable-litter n.
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1808 J. C. Curwen Hints Econ. Feeding Stock 242 Fresh stable-litter being made use of.
stable loft n.
ΚΠ
1851 H. Mayhew London Labour I. 357/2 He allowed me..to sleep in the stable-loft.
stable management n.
ΚΠ
1856 ‘Stonehenge’ Man. Brit. Rural Sports ii. i. ix. 349 Clothing, Dressing, and Stable Management.
stable people n.
ΚΠ
1800 E. Hervey Mourtray Family IV. 195 He met one of the stable people.
stable plank n.
ΚΠ
a1616 W. Shakespeare King John (1623) v. ii. 140 To crowch in litter of your stable plankes . View more context for this quotation
stable post n.
ΚΠ
1781 J. Ripley Sel. Orig. Lett. 101 I would have..tied both your hands together with a strong halter to one of the stable-posts.
stable slang n.
ΚΠ
1894 Strand Mag. May 554/1 He was a good lad, tinged with the archaic stable-slang of Thessaly.
1903 E. Œ. Somerville & ‘M. Ross’ All on Irish Shore 269 His speech, what there is of it, is ungarnished with stable slang.
stable stuff n.
ΚΠ
1551–2 in Aungier Syon (1840) 93 And the stable stuffe and apparell for horsses to be delivered to thands of..our..officers of our stable.
stable suit n.
ΚΠ
1849 Bentley's Misc. 31 465 Stable-boys..at eight guineas a year, and a stable-suit.
stable-theatre n.
ΚΠ
1928 T. S. Eliot Dialogue on Poetic Drama in Dryden's Ess. Dram. Poesie p. xxvi We shall end with a..cosmopolitan little-theatre... What is..more likely is that nothing will be done at all. We are all too busy..to prance about in a stable-theatre.
stable-wench n.
ΚΠ
1847 Ld. Tennyson Princess i. 22 A plump-arm'd Ostleress and a stable wench Came running at the call.
stable work n.
ΚΠ
1881 Encycl. Brit. XII. 193/1 Stable work should commence early.
b.
stable-like adj.
ΚΠ
1892 I. Zangwill Children of Ghetto i The stable-like doors of the kitchen.
c. Locative.
stable-born adj.
ΚΠ
1648 J. Beaumont Psyche x. cxxi. 165 A stable-born and manger-cradeled Thing.
C2. Special combinations: Scottish, ‘the liquor consumed in an inn by farmers by way of remunerating the innkeeper for accommodating their horses during the day’ (Jamieson, Suppl.). Also stable door n.
stable block n. a building designed to house stables.
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the world > food and drink > farming > animal husbandry > keeping or management of horses > [noun] > stabling > stable
horse-housec1175
stablec1250
guest-stable1471
livery stable1661
brush stable1835
livery1888
boarding-stable1903
run-in shed1946
stable block1977
1977 P. D. James Death of Expert Witness ii. i. 56 As she had come round the corner of the house from putting her bicycle in the old stable block, Inspector Blakelock had been standing at the front door.
stable-boy n. a boy or man employed in or about a stable.
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the world > food and drink > farming > animal husbandry > keeping or management of horses > [noun] > keeper or manager > groom
palfreyman1297
horse-knavec1300
palfreyour1301
hostlera1450
ostlerc1449
stable groomc1485
palfrenier1490
equerry1552
jack-boy1562
horse-boy1563
custrel1577
ostleress1639
saddle nag1647
syce1650
groom1667
pad-groom1743
stable-boy1745
stableman1745
mehtar1828
strapper1828
lad1848
stable-lad1856
mafoo1863
ostler boy1864
swipe1929
1745 J. Swift Direct. to Servants 66 Deliver your Horses to the Stable-boy, and let him gallop them to the next Pond.
1898 J. Arch Story of Life ii. 33 A wealthy banker..took me into his stables, made me a sort of stable-boy.
stable-call n. Military a bugle-call to stables (see 4).
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society > armed hostility > military organization > signals > [noun] > cavalry signals
mountee1415
tucket1605
boute-selle1628
boot and saddle1697
watering call1798
stable-call1889
stable1908
1889 Cent. Mag. Apr. 900 Will you go down to stable-call and pick out a mount?
stable-cleaner n. (see quot. 1875).
ΚΠ
1875 E. H. Knight Pract. Dict. Mech. Stable-cleaner, a manure-drag for removing used litter from stables.
stable companion n. a horse from the same stable; also transferred.
ΘΚΠ
society > society and the community > social relations > association, fellowship, or companionship > a companion or associate > [noun]
yferec870
brothereOE
ymonec950
headlingOE
ferec975
fellowOE
friendOE
eveningOE
evenlinglOE
even-nexta1225
compeerc1275
monec1300
companiona1325
partnerc1330
peerc1330
neighbour?c1335
falec1380
matec1380
makec1385
companya1425
sociatec1430
marrow1440
partyc1443
customera1450
conferec1450
pareil?c1450
comparcionerc1475
resortc1475
socius1480
copartner?1504
billy?a1513
accomplice1550
panion1553
consorterc1556
compartner1564
co-mate1576
copemate1577
competitor1579
consociate1579
coach-companion1589
comrade1591
consort1592
callant1597
comrado1598
associate1601
coach-fellow1602
rival1604
social1604
concomitanta1639
concerner1639
consociator1646
compane1647
societary1652
bor1677
socius1678
interessora1687
companioness1691
rendezvouser1742
connection1780
frater1786
matey1794
pardner1795
left bower1829
running mate1867
stable companion1868
pard1872
buddy1895
maat1900
bro1922
stable-mate1941
bredda1969
Ndugu1973
the world > animals > mammals > group Ungulata (hoofed) > family Equidae (general equines) > equus caballus or horse > [noun] > belonging to one stable
stable1576
studa1661
stable companion1868
stable-mate1941
1868 Field 11 July 29/3 Chatelherault winning..by a head from his stable companion.
1892 Strand Mag. July 36/1 Its stable companion was the Challenge tricycle.
1915 Truth 4 Aug. 186/2 These concerns, together with a stable companion, styled Great Oriental Gold Mines.
1920 J. Galsworthy Tatterdemalion xii. 179 I used to like very much his attitude to the young ‘stable-companion’ who had arrived with him.
1968 ‘J. le Carré’ Small Town in Germany xiii. 214 ‘Praschko was up there, was he? In Berlin? With the Russians and Aickman?’ ‘Stable companions.’
stablecraft n. the knowledge and skill involved in the proper maintenance of stables and stable animals.
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the world > food and drink > farming > animal husbandry > keeping or management of horses > [noun]
horsemanship1566
hipponomy1618
hipparchy1631
horse-keeping1777
peonage1844
horse-mastership1904
stablecraft1931
1931 Times Lit. Suppl. 25 June 502/3 His remarks on stablecraft are also thoroughly sound.
1953 G. Brooke (title) Introduction to riding and stablecraft.
stable-dung n. dung from stables as distinguished from that collected in the foldyard or in the streets.
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the world > physical sensation > cleanness and dirtiness > dirtiness > dirt > [noun] > dirt removed in cleaning > dung removed from stables, etc.
mixeOE
worthingc1582
stable-dung1763
rakes1774
1763 Museum Rusticum (1764) 1 257 Lime is a much sweeter manure than stable-dung.
1842 J. C. Loudon Suburban Horticulturist 65 Street manure..has been used in forcing-gardens as a substitute for tanners bark and stable-dung.
stable-fly n. (see quots.).
ΘΚΠ
the world > animals > invertebrates > phylum Arthropoda > class Insecta > order Diptera or flies > [noun] > suborder Cyclorrhapha > family Muscidae > stomoxys calcitrans (stable-fly)
dogflya1425
stable-fly1862
1862 T. W. Harris Treat. Insects Injurious to Vegetation (ed. 3) 16 The stinging stable-flies (Stomoxys).
1884–5 Riverside Nat. Hist. (1888) II. 430 A very common and wide-spread species is the stable-fly, Stomoxys calcitrans... The larvæ live in fresh horse manure.
1910 Encycl. Brit. X. 584/1 The Stomoxys calcitrans, or stable-fly;..Muscina stabulans, another stable-fly.
stable groom n. = groom n.1 5.
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the world > food and drink > farming > animal husbandry > keeping or management of horses > [noun] > keeper or manager > groom
palfreyman1297
horse-knavec1300
palfreyour1301
hostlera1450
ostlerc1449
stable groomc1485
palfrenier1490
equerry1552
jack-boy1562
horse-boy1563
custrel1577
ostleress1639
saddle nag1647
syce1650
groom1667
pad-groom1743
stable-boy1745
stableman1745
mehtar1828
strapper1828
lad1848
stable-lad1856
mafoo1863
ostler boy1864
swipe1929
c1485 Digby Myst. ii. 120 Now, stabyll grom, shortly bryng forth away The best horse.
1639 J. Ford Ladies Triall ii. sig. D4 And stable-grooms [have] reacht to some fair ones chambers.
stable-help n.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > farming > animal husbandry > keeping or management of horses > [noun] > keeper or manager > groom > assistant
stable helper1807
stable-help1836
stable hand1843
1836 T. C. Haliburton Clockmaker 1st Ser. xxii. 143 Give up blood horses to them that can afford to keep stable-helps to tend 'em.
stable helper n. = helper n. 2 spec.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > farming > animal husbandry > keeping or management of horses > [noun] > keeper or manager > groom > assistant
stable helper1807
stable-help1836
stable hand1843
1807 E. S. Barrett Rising Sun III. 30 Mrs. Secondhand..sent one of the stable-helpers to fetch a chair.
stable-horse n. (see quot. 1802).
ΚΠ
1802 C. James New Mil. Dict. Stable horse, Ind. That part of Tippoo Sultaun's cavalry, which was best armed, accoutred, and most regularly disciplined.
stable hours n. the fixed times for work in the stable.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > farming > animal husbandry > keeping or management of horses > [noun] > stabling > fixed hours of work in stable
stable hoursa1809
a1809 T. Holcroft Memoirs (1816) I. i. xii. 92 [The groom] was so attentive to stable-hours, that..he was always to be found.
1844 Queen's Regulations & Orders Army 352 The face, eyes, and nostrils of each horse are to be washed with a sponge and sea-water, at the regular stable-hours.
stable-keeper n. one who keeps a stable; one who provides stable-accommodation for horses.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > farming > animal husbandry > keeping or management of horses > [noun] > stabling > stable-keeper
stable-keeperc1440
stabler1508
stall-keeper1591
livery-stable keeper1703
stabulist1826
liveryman1841
livery1986
c1440 Promptorium Parvulorum 471/2 Stabul kepar, or hors kepar, stabularius.
1811 Gen. Regulations & Orders Army 161 The Hay and Straw for Horses in Quarters..are furnished by the Stable-Keepers, &c. on whom they are billeted.
stable-lad n. = stable-boy n.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > farming > animal husbandry > keeping or management of horses > [noun] > keeper or manager > groom
palfreyman1297
horse-knavec1300
palfreyour1301
hostlera1450
ostlerc1449
stable groomc1485
palfrenier1490
equerry1552
jack-boy1562
horse-boy1563
custrel1577
ostleress1639
saddle nag1647
syce1650
groom1667
pad-groom1743
stable-boy1745
stableman1745
mehtar1828
strapper1828
lad1848
stable-lad1856
mafoo1863
ostler boy1864
swipe1929
1856 ‘Stonehenge’ Man. Brit. Rural Sports ii. i. ix. 352/2 Mischief..if not prevented will be indulged in by the stable-lad towards his charge.
stable-language n. the parlance of those who have the care and training of horses.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > a language > register > [noun] > jargon > used by other groups
indenture Englisha1568
water language1702
jockeyism1802
slum1812
Polari1846
stable-language1856
scientificism1860
water-slang1860
Oxfordish1863
galley-slang1867
pitmatic1885
commercialese1910
legalese1911
academese1917
Hollywoodese1920
businessese1921
Hollywoodism1925
trade unionese1927
advertisingese1929
officese1935
sociologese1940
Whitehallese1940
Newspeak1949
patter1949
Pentagonese1950
educationese1958
computerese1960
managementese1961
spacespeak1963
computer-speak1968
techno-jargon1972
business-speak1973
Eurospeak1975
Euro-jargon1976
technospeak1976
doctorspeak1977
corporate-speak1978
medspeak1979
mellowspeak1979
technobabble1981
teenspeak1982
management-speak1986
codespeak1987
1856 G. J. Whyte-Melville Kate Coventry xv They were, what is termed in stable language, very much above themselves.
stableman n. one who is employed in a stable to groom, feed and otherwise look after the horses.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > farming > animal husbandry > keeping or management of horses > [noun] > keeper or manager > groom
palfreyman1297
horse-knavec1300
palfreyour1301
hostlera1450
ostlerc1449
stable groomc1485
palfrenier1490
equerry1552
jack-boy1562
horse-boy1563
custrel1577
ostleress1639
saddle nag1647
syce1650
groom1667
pad-groom1743
stable-boy1745
stableman1745
mehtar1828
strapper1828
lad1848
stable-lad1856
mafoo1863
ostler boy1864
swipe1929
1745 J. Swift Direct. to Servants 32 Get the Cook, the House-maid, the Stable-men..to stand in his Way to the Hall.
stable manure n. = stable-dung n.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > farming > cultivation or tillage > preparation of land or soil > fertilizing or manuring > [noun] > dunging > dung
dungOE
muckc1268
dunging?1440
fimea1475
fulyiec1480
tath1492
soil1607
street soil1607
dung-water1608
soiling1610
mucking1611
short dung, manure, muck1618
folding1626
muck water1626
stable manure1629
long dung1658
spit-dunga1671
stercoration1694
street dirt1694
horse-litter1721
pot-dunga1722
sock1790
street manure1793
police manure1825
fold-manure1829
slurry1965
1629 J. Parkinson Paradisi in Sole i. i. 2 Sandy loame..may soone be helped with old stable manure of horses.
1864 A. Trollope Small House at Allington II. xxx. 306 There was..a vexed question between Hopkins and Joliffe the bailiff on the matter of—stable manure.
1973 ‘I. Drummond’ Jaws of Watchdog vii. 95 Give it plenty of muck... Stable manure is the best.
stable-mate n. = stable companion n.
ΘΚΠ
society > society and the community > social relations > association, fellowship, or companionship > a companion or associate > [noun]
yferec870
brothereOE
ymonec950
headlingOE
ferec975
fellowOE
friendOE
eveningOE
evenlinglOE
even-nexta1225
compeerc1275
monec1300
companiona1325
partnerc1330
peerc1330
neighbour?c1335
falec1380
matec1380
makec1385
companya1425
sociatec1430
marrow1440
partyc1443
customera1450
conferec1450
pareil?c1450
comparcionerc1475
resortc1475
socius1480
copartner?1504
billy?a1513
accomplice1550
panion1553
consorterc1556
compartner1564
co-mate1576
copemate1577
competitor1579
consociate1579
coach-companion1589
comrade1591
consort1592
callant1597
comrado1598
associate1601
coach-fellow1602
rival1604
social1604
concomitanta1639
concerner1639
consociator1646
compane1647
societary1652
bor1677
socius1678
interessora1687
companioness1691
rendezvouser1742
connection1780
frater1786
matey1794
pardner1795
left bower1829
running mate1867
stable companion1868
pard1872
buddy1895
maat1900
bro1922
stable-mate1941
bredda1969
Ndugu1973
the world > animals > mammals > group Ungulata (hoofed) > family Equidae (general equines) > equus caballus or horse > [noun] > belonging to one stable
stable1576
studa1661
stable companion1868
stable-mate1941
1941 W. Lewis Let. May (1963) 288 The ‘practical politicians’ and..their stable-mates the hardboiled business-men’ have somehow or other to be tamed.
1958 Daily Sketch 2 June 15/3 Guersillus's stablemate, Paridel, will not now run in the Derby.
1979 J. Leasor Love & Land Beyond i. 13 I run a stable mate of the Cord, an Auburn 851 cabriolet.
stable-meal n. [mail n.1]
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > drink > intoxicating liquor > [noun] > a drink of > consumed for keep of horses
stable-meal1786
1786 R. Burns Poems & Songs (1968) I. 166 When thou an' I were young an' skiegh, An' Stable-meals at Fairs were driegh.
stable room n. accommodation for horses or a horse in a stable; stabling.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > farming > animal husbandry > keeping or management of horses > [noun] > stabling > stable > set of
stabling1481
stable room1585
mewsa1631
1585 in F. Collins Wills & Admin. Knaresborough Court Rolls (1902) I. 150 To my brother..sufficient hay for his horse..and stable roome in my stable.
1753 Chambers's Cycl. Suppl. When there is stable-room enough partitions are to be made for several horses to stand in.
stablewards adv. towards the stable or stables.
ΚΠ
1839 C. Dickens Nicholas Nickleby v. 39 [He] then lounged admiringly stablewards.
stable-yard n. the yard attached to a stable.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > farming > animal husbandry > keeping or management of horses > [noun] > stabling > stable > stable-yard
stable-yard1703
1703 London Gaz. No. 3899/4 Enquire at the Stable Yard in St. Alban's street.
1836 C. Dickens Pickwick Papers (1837) xxiii. 236 In the vicinity of the stable-yard..sat Mr. Weller senior.
Draft additions June 2021
stable hand n. a person who works in a stable, carrying out general maintenance and looking after the horses.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > farming > animal husbandry > keeping or management of horses > [noun] > keeper or manager > groom > assistant
stable helper1807
stable-help1836
stable hand1843
1843 Spirit of Times 14 Oct. 391/2 We regret to hear that Mr. Stewart, and several other trainers from a distance, with many of their stable hands, are down with the bilious fever.
2020 Scotsman (Nexis) 28 Nov. Unlike many big names in her sport she doesn't come from a privileged background but left school at 16 and began working as a stable hand at 20.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1915; most recently modified version published online June 2022).
stablen.2
/ˈsteɪbl/, U.S. /ˈsteɪb(ə)l/ Coal Mining.
An excavation in a face to accommodate a coal-cutting machine or loader working into it. Also stable hole.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > workplace > places where raw materials are extracted > mine > [noun] > other places in mine
work1474
firework1606
stemple1653
stool1653
bink1675
engine pit1687
swamp1691
feeder1702
wall1728
bag1742
sill1747
stope1747
rose cistern1778
striking-house1824
plat1828
stemplar1828
screen chamber1829
offtake1835
footwall1837
triple pit1839
stamp1849
paddock1852
working floor1858
pit house1866
ground-sluice1869
screen tower1871
planilla1877
undercurrent1877
mill1878
blanket-sluice1881
stringing-deal1881
wagon-breast1881
brushing-bed1883
poppet-leg1890
slippet1898
stable1906
overcut1940
1906 Trans. Inst. Mining Engin. XXXI. 401 Coal~cutters, which have a disc or a chain-jib fixed to their longitudinal centre, cannot cut close to the ends of the face, and require a stable-hole or heading to be driven in advance at each end.
1914 G. L. Kerr Pract. Coal Mining (ed. 5) vi. 148 This avoids the necessity of making jib-holes or ‘stables’ at the start and finish of the cut.
1945 Trans. Inst. Mining Engin. CIV. 209 Stables to a depth of at least twice the depth of the cut are required at each end of the face.
1968 Economist 8 June 85/3 The great benefit of the machine is in avoiding the present concentration of men in the ‘stable hole’ the most dangerous part of the pit.
1973 L. J. Thomas Introd. Mining vii. 278 A longwall face stable was necessary so that the face cutting and loading machinery could stand in it..while the face conveyor was pushed over.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1986; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
stableadj.
/ˈsteɪbl/, U.S. /ˈsteɪb(ə)l/ 1. figurative.1599 J. Davies Nosce Teipsum 37 The perfect Angels were not stable, But had a fall, more desperate then wee.1869 A. Maclaren Serm. preached in Manch. 2nd Ser. vii. 120 If we are to be stable amidst earthquakes and storms, we must be built on the Rock and build rock-like upon it.in combination.1725 J. Armstrong Imitations Shaks. 185 That rock the stable-planted towers.
a. Able to remain erect; secure against falling or being overthrown.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > vertical position > [adjective] > upright or erect > remaining upright > able to
stablea1400
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 10121 Do me to passe þe dikes ouer, þar þe castel standes stable [Gött. stabil, Trin. Cambr. stabul].
a1591 H. Smith Serm. (1637) 268 He which is tottering himselfe, had neede leane unto a stable thing.
1872 J. S. Blackie Lays of Highlands 76 The master-builder-bold Who reared this stable pile.
1909 C. C. Turner Aerial Navigation viii. 123 The bicycle is not stable. It depends upon motion and the manipulation of the handles.
b. Of a support or foundation: Firm, not likely to give way. literal and figurative.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > support > [adjective] > firm (of a support)
stable1340
1340–70 Alex. & Dind. 587 Ȝe were alle..bred of þat modur Þat is stable to stonde..And þe erþe is called.
1604 W. Alexander Aurora Song iii. D 1 Hauing followed ore the stable ground.
1788 J. Priestley Lect. Hist. v. xlix. 364 The only stable foundation of most of the improvements in social life is Agriculture.
1801 J. Strutt Glig-gamena Angel-ðeod iii. i. 126 The ground within hard, stable, and level.
1811 J. Pinkerton Petralogy II. 338 Such pieces of scoriæ as..were capable of affording a stable support.
1820 W. Scoresby Acct. Arctic Regions I. 256 It often affords a stable mooring to a ship.
1839 C. Darwin in R. Fitzroy & C. Darwin Narr. Surv. Voy. H.M.S. Adventure & Beagle III. viii. 170 A government, which as yet has never rested on any stable foundation.
1871 J. S. Blackie Four Phases Morals i. 24 A stable physical platform to stand on.
c. Firm in consistency, solid. Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > constitution of matter > density or solidity > state of being thick enough to retain form > [adjective]
bodied1612
consisting1626
consistent1647
stable1666
constanta1691
1666 R. Boyle Origine Formes & Qualities 76 The Texture, is..vnlesse it be very stable and permanent,..very much alter'd.
1666 R. Boyle Origine Formes & Qualities 422 Alterations..mixtures can perform among Bodies, both of them fluid, as well as among those that were either both of them stable, or one of them stable and the other consistent.
1692 J. Ray Wisdom of God (ed. 2) i. 51 Providence hath given to the solid and Stable Parts a twofold Power.
1878 R. L. Stevenson Inland Voy. 103 The shadows lay as solid on the swift surface of the stream as on the stable meadows.
2. Stationary, keeping to one place.† a. of persons or their dwellings. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > absence of movement > [adjective] > remaining in one place
stablea1400
dormantc1440
standing1469
remanent?a1475
ledger1547
fixed1559
restiff1578
statary1581
permanent1588
consistent1604
stationary1631
fundamental1633
resident1653
sedentary1667
statual1752
loco-restive1796
untransmigrated1821
stabile1896
static1910
sessile1917
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 15154 Iesus þam prechand ilk a dai Stable in temple stod.
c1400 (?c1380) Pearl l. 597 He þat stod þe long day stable.
1422 J. Yonge tr. Secreta Secret. 215 Sum of the hoste shall stabill bene in oone Place.
1687 P. Ayres Spring in Lyric Poems (1906) 311 The stable mother [the sea] of those straggling sons [the rivers].
1775 R. Chandler Trav. Asia Minor xxxii. 111 A people..not forming villages or towns with stable habitations, but flitting from place to place.
b. Of material things: Not shifting or fluctuating in position.
ΚΠ
1853 E. K. Kane U.S. Grinnell Exped. xxxviii. 353 Some seventy miles from the nearest stable ice.
1861 H. T. Buckle Hist. Civilization Eng. II. vii. 368 The surface of our planet, even where it appears perfectly stable is constantly undergoing most extensive changes.
1863 J. D. Dana Man. Geol. 390 It, however, did not reach north to the Azoic of New York, which was still a portion of the stable part of the continent.
3.
a. Of a material thing or its condition: Able to maintain its place or position; presenting resistance to displacement; not easily shaken or dislodged. stable equilibrium n. see equilibrium n. 1a.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > absence of movement > [adjective] > stable
steady1530
stable1560
inconcussible1589
constant1596
firm1600
regular1632
trig1858
1560 Bible (Geneva) 1 Chron. xvi. 30 Surely the worlde shal be stable and not moue.
1829 Nat. Philos. (Libr. Useful Knowl.) I. Mechanics i. iv. 18 Of these two positions in which it is possible for the body to rest, the former is called instable, and the latter stable, equilibrium.
1871 B. Stewart Heat (ed. 2) 45 That the particles may have time to assume their most stable position.
1889 J. J. Welch Text Bk. Naval Archit. ii. 19 If a ship when slightly inclined in any particular direction from her position of rest returns towards that position when the inclining forces are removed, it is said to be in stable equilibrium.
b. Of a system of bodies: Having a permanent structure or constitution; not liable to disintegration.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the universe > heavenly body > [adjective] > group > permanent, not liable to disintegration
stable1839
1839 H. Moseley Lect. Astron. (1854) lxxvii. 216 The system of Planets is stable, the System of Comets is unstable.
1845 W. Whewell Indic. Creator 52 The state of the solar system is stable.
c. Of a chemical compound or combination: Not at once decomposing. stable dextrin: the fifth or remaining amylin group after the other four amylin groups in starch have been split off by the action of diastene.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > chemistry > elements and compounds > [adjective] > of or relating to compounds > stable
stable1850
1850 C. G. B. Daubeny Introd. Atomic Theory (ed. 2) vii. 190 These compounds are..much less stable, being decomposed by very slight causes.
1867 H. Spencer First Princ. (ed. 2) ii. xiii. §101. 293 Stable compounds contain comparatively little molecular motion.
1900 Jrnl. Soc. Dyers & Colourists 16 6 Causing the indigo white to separate out in a stable condition.
d. Nuclear Physics. Of an isotope: not subject to spontaneous radio-active decay, or decaying only very slowly.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > physics > atomic nucleus > radioactive isotope > radioactive nuclide > [adjective] > subject to spontaneous decay > not
stable1904
1904 F. Soddy Radio-activity viii. 126 The elements known to the chemist are stable because they exist and have survived.
1924 O. Lodge Atoms & Rays ii. 30 Even uranium is not quite stable... The element with 82 active pairs [of electrons] would be fairly or perhaps quite stable, and would be indistinguishable from lead.
1942 J. D. Stranathan ‘Particles’ of Mod. Physics v. 167 Those elements with the greatest number of stable isotopes are Sn with 10 and Xe with 9.
1956 Nature 28 Jan. 159/2 Long-lived aluminium-26 may easily be confused with the stable aluminium-27 as product nucleus.
1977 J. L. Harper Population Biol. Plants xi. 365 Small amounts of 15N, a stable isotope, had been applied to the soil.
4. Not liable to fail or vary.† b. Of a law, covenant, promise, etc.: Firm, not to be repealed or retracted. Phrases, to hold (something) stable, to stand stable. Obsolete.† c. Of faith, resolve, love, friendship, etc.: Not changing, constant. Obsolete.† d. Of counsel, judgement, intellect: Trustworthy, sound. Obsolete.† f. Permanent; of durable nature or quality.† g. Of a language: Having fixed meanings. Obsolete. rare.† h. Mathematics. = constant adj. 5. Obsolete.
a. Of government, institutions, customs, etc.: Securely established; not liable to destruction or essential change. Often with figurative notion of 1.
ΘΚΠ
the world > existence and causation > causation > initiating or causing to begin > [adjective] > founding or instituting > settled or established
rootfastlOE
stablec1290
institutec1325
sad1340
firmc1374
rooteda1393
stabledc1400
substantialc1449
well-foundeda1450
surec1475
standing1549
afloat1551
well-established1559
steadyc1571
naturalized1590
erected1603
established1642
instituted1647
settled1649
riveted1652
radicate1656
inrooted1660
institute1668
statuminated1674
planted1685
stablished1709
deep-seated1741
founded1771
set-up1856
the world > time > change > absence of change, changelessness > stability, fixity > [adjective] > established, settled
steadfast1258
groundlyc1275
stablec1290
firmc1374
well-groundeda1393
irradicate1436
well-fixed1567
statary1581
solid1586
confirmed1594
lodged1600
well-entrenched1661
substantive1809
corroborated1822
stabilized1887
c1290 St. Oswold 5 in S. Eng. Leg. 45 For he was king are cristindom puyrliche stable were.
1390 J. Gower Confessio Amantis III. 233 Thei [pity and justice]..ben of vertu most vailable To make a kinges regne stable.
c1520 M. Nisbet New Test. in Scots (1905) III. Epist. O.T. 277 And thar salbe na mark nor na terme of his kingdom, (and he sal mak it stabile) in the wed of beleue.
1574 J. Higgins 1st Pt. Mirour for Magistrates Albanacte lvi But..as no state can stable stande for aye.
c1610–15 Hist. St. Vrsula in C. Horstmann Lives Women Saints (1886) 37 It was thought that this new kingdome would not be stable and firme for long continuance, vnlesse they had wiues of their owne nation.
1849 A. Alison Hist. Europe from French Revol. (new ed.) I. iv. 446 Men..deemed present institutions stable, because they had never seen them shaken.
1856 J. A. Froude Hist. Eng. (1858) I. v. 412 His kingdom demanded the security of a stable succession.
1911 Seligmann Veddas i. 25 Vijaya found some sort of stable political organization on his arrival in the island [of Ceylon].
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > memory > effacement, obliteration > cancellation, revocation > [adjective] > not capable of revocation
stable1297
undefeasible1461
unrevocable1464
irrevocable1490
incoverable1526
irrecoverable1540
unrepealable1574
uncancellable1606
unrecallable1611
inabrogable1617
unretractable1624
irreversible1629
unalterable1631
irrepealable1633
indeposable1673
irreclaimable1834
irretractable1880
1297 R. Gloucester's Chron. (Rolls) 6430 Þis word was iholde stable & iloked uor dom.
c1386 G. Chaucer Clerk's Tale 663 But now I woot youre lust and what ye wolde Al youre plesance ferme and stable I holde.
c1450 Godstow Reg. 31 Holdynge ferme & stable what euyr he wolde do ther-with, & neuyr to haue more clayme, ne eny of hys eyrys, for euyr-more.
1464 Rolls of Parl. V. 529/2 That almaner Yeftes and Grauntes..made, stand ferme and stable.
1474 W. Caxton tr. Game & Playe of Chesse (1883) ii. i. 21 Therfore hym ought to saye no thynge but yf hit were veritable and stable.
1533 in Vicary's Anat. Bodie of Man (1888) App. xiv. 264 This present graunte..shall..be contynewed ferme and stable as concernyng the sayde Barbour-surgeons.
1543–4 Act 35 Hen. VIII c. 9 The which order..shall stande firme and stable, and for a full determinate order.
1759 in Minutes of Evid. Nairne Peerage (1873) 65 in Sessional Papers House of Lords (H.L. A) XII. 65 All which I oblige me to hold firm and stable without revocation.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > love > affection > [adjective] > steadfast or constant in affection
steadfastc1175
stablea1300
steera1300
constant1606
the mind > will > decision > constancy or steadfastness > [adjective] > of faith, resolve, love, etc.
stablea1300
faithfula1375
a1300 Cursor Mundi 26158 We hope he sal haue for-giuenes, For þe trouth and stabil fai Þat he was in in his last dai.
c1340 R. Rolle Prose Treat. 7 And for-thy I had na stabyll purpos in gude, na perfite contrycyone.
1402 T. Hoccleve Let. of Cupid 447 In womman regneth stable constance.
c1450 Mirk's Festial 74 Full contricion wyth schryft, full charite wythout feynyng, and stabull fayth wythout flateryng.
1549–62 T. Sternhold & J. Hopkins Whole Bk. Psalms li. 10 (2nd vers.) Within my bowels Lord, renue a stable sprite.
1569 R. Grafton Chron. II. 484 There shal be from henceforward..stable friendship, betwene the same realmes.
c1610–15 Life St. Eanswide in C. Horstmann Lives Women Saints (1886) 51 An husband immortall, whose death may not grieue me, and whose loue shall be constant and stable.
ΚΠ
1297 R. Gloucester's Chron. (Rolls) 1245 & as he & is conseil stable conseil nome Þe lettres he sende to Iuli þe emperour of rome.
1297 R. Gloucester's Chron. (Rolls) 11489.
1477 T. Norton Ordinall of Alchimy i, in E. Ashmole Theatrum Chem. Britannicum (1652) 14 For his Trewth, Vertue, and for his stable Witt.
c1540 (?a1400) Destr. Troy 1423 Yche wegh þat is wise & of wit stable.
e. Of a doctrine, theory, conclusion: Securely established, not likely to be disproved or found wanting.
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > change > absence of change, changelessness > stability, fixity > [adjective]
truea1225
certain1297
standing1457
surec1475
stable1481
finite1493
resident1525
determinate1526
staid?1541
constantc1550
undiscomfitablea1555
inveterate1563
sound1565
unwanderinga1569
fixed1574
undisturbable1577
wishly1578
unremovable1579
inveterated1597
immoved1599
rigid1610
staple1621
consistent1648
irradicable1728
incoercible1756
hard and fast1822
unstrangulable1824
lockstep1831
statical1853
static1856
flatline1946
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > conformity with what is known, truth > foundation in fact, validity > [adjective]
goodOE
substantial1419
soundc1440
allowablec1443
stronga1475
stable1481
infallible1526
sore1530
sincere1536
acknowledged1548
of…validity1581
firm1600
acknowledgeable1630
valiant1632
infallid1635
valid1651
copper-bottomed1890
1481 W. Caxton tr. Myrrour of Worlde i. xiii. 42 Thus ben not the sciences muable but alleway ben estable and trewe.
1862 J. Ruskin Unto this Last Pref. p. x It was..the first object of these following papers to give an accurate and stable definition of wealth.
1891 Hardwicke's Sci.-gossip 27 73/1 Even if with further research it led to no good and stable result.
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > change > absence of change, changelessness > lasting quality, permanence > [adjective]
stablea1300
durablec1386
during1398
durant1455
permanent?a1475
standingc1480
perseverablea1500
indelible1532
of long standinga1568
permansible1568
long-established1589
dureful1595
subsistent1603
subsisting1613
staple1621
constant1645
long-standing1655
throughout1701
untemporary1784
pukka1801
rock-ribbed1903
hardwired1971
a1300 Cursor Mundi 26770 Bot þat þi stabil pes mai last To crist þou hald þi penance fast.
c1400 tr. Secreta Secret., Gov. Lordsh. 57 Gete þe stabyl richesse, a lyf þat may noght be chaungyd, a kyngdome ay lastand dilatable.
c1400 tr. Secreta Secret., Gov. Lordsh. 62 Brekand allyance stabyl ffor welfare and profyt of men.
1617 F. Moryson Itinerary iii. 113 They bestow their money in stable things, to serve their posteritie.
1645 J. Howell Epistolæ Ho-elianæ iv. vii. 8 I am not yet settled in any stable condition, but I lie Windbound at the Cape of good Hope.
1660 T. Stanley Hist. Philos. III. v. 243 Some pertain..to..the pleasure which consists in motion; others to felicity it selfe, (as that of indolence and tranquillity or stable pleasure).
1683 A. Snape Anat. Horse App. i. 11 At the end of the fourth day, the Stalk tending upwards, (the outer or Sheath-leaf..being loosened) puts forth the Stable-leaf [L. folium stabile]..that is green and folded.
1742 E. Young Complaint: Night the First 9 How I dreamt..Of stable Pleasures on the tossing Wave?
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > a language > dialect > [adjective] > standard or standardized
steadfast1422
stable1679
standard1806
1679 J. Dryden Troilus & Cressida Ep. Ded. sig. A3v I am often put to a stand..And have no other way to clear my doubts, but by translating my English into Latine, and thereby trying what sence the words will bear in a more stable language.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > number > mathematical number or quantity > [adjective] > describing particular qualities > constant
standing1685
invariable1704
stable1728
constant1753
parametric1864
parametral1865
1728 E. Chambers Cycl. at Calculus Stable Quantities being always express'd by the first Letters of the Alphabet.
i. Of properties, movements, agencies, etc.: Persisting without essential or permanent change of character.
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > change > absence of change, changelessness > [adjective]
fasteOE
inunvariable1535
uniform1559
changeless1575
unvariant1582
wasteless1589
unchanging1595
inherent1601
unselfchanging1605
shiftless1606
ne'er-changinga1616
waxlessa1618
immutable1621
equal1626
irreducible1633
indiminishable1641
imprevaricable1644
Median1649
undiminishable1653
assiduous1661
unvarying1690
unfluctuating1723
unrelapsing1740
stable1742
unarbitrary1793
untransferable1794
unaltering1813
constant1817
all-or-nothing1853
all-or-none1864
reducelessc1864
unaugmentable1868
invariant1874
inadaptive1886
plateaued1899
steady state1909
hardcore1951
homoeostatic1955
monochromatic1959
1742 D. Hume Ess. Moral & Polit. II. v. 53 When the Event is supposed to proceed from certain and stable Causes.
1878 B. Stewart & P. G. Tait Unseen Universe vi. §179. 182 Two kinds, one of which makes use of the stable forces of nature and the other of the unstable.
1884 tr. H. Lotze Logic 32 In..metal where there is no difficulty in regarding the marks of colour, brilliancy, and hardness as stable properties of that which they describe.
j. Of animal or vegetable species: Unvarying.
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > biology > biological processes > genetic activity > heredity or hereditary descent > [adjective] > having one unvarying form
constant1793
monomorphous1839
monomorphic1864
stable1889
1889 A. R. Wallace Darwinism (1890) 42 Wild animals and plants, it is said, are usually stable.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > courage > moral courage > stoicism > [adjective]
firm1377
steel-nerveda1400
stablec1440
stiff-upper-lipped1798
stiff-upper-lip1961
stiff-upper-lippish1963
the world > life > the body > external parts of body > head > face > face with expression or expression > [adjective] > steady
stablec1440
c1440 Generydes 1988 Beholdyng them with countenaunce right stabill.
c1475 Babees Bk. (Harl. 5086) (2002) i. 3 And yf they speke withe yow at youre komynge, Withe stable Eye loke vpone theym Rihte.
1630 R. Norton tr. W. Camden Hist. Princesse Elizabeth iii. 103 The Queene of Scottes..with a stable and stedfast countenance..gaue thankes to God.
6. Of persons and their dispositions.† b. const. of, in (thoughts, purposes, words, etc.): cf. senses 4c, 4d Obsolete.† c. Constant in affection. Const. to. Obsolete.† d. In a bad sense: Persistent. Obsolete.† e. Strong, capable of endurance. Obsolete.† f. Of God or a deity: Unchangeable. Obsolete.
a. Steadfast in purpose or resolution; settled in character, not fickle, changeable, or frivolous. In early use also, †Trustworthy, sound in counsel or judgement. Phrase, †to stand stable.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > will > decision > constancy or steadfastness > [adjective]
fasteOE
stathelfasteOE
anredOE
hardOE
starkOE
trueOE
steadfast993
fastredeOE
stithc1000
findyOE
stablea1275
stathelyc1275
stiffc1275
stablec1290
steel to the (very) backa1300
unbowinga1300
stably13..
firm1377
unmovablea1382
constantc1386
abidingc1400
toughc1400
sure1421
unmoblea1425
unfaintedc1425
unfaint1436
permanent?a1475
stalwartc1480
unbroken1513
immovable1534
inconcuss1542
unshaken1548
stout1569
unwavering1570
undiscourageable1571
fixed1574
discourageable1576
unappalled1578
resolute1579
unremoved1583
resolved1585
unflexiblea1586
unshakeda1586
square1589
unstooping1597
iron1598
rocky1601
steady1602
undeclinable1610
unboweda1616
unfainting1615
unswayed1615
staunch1624
undiscourageda1628
staid1631
unshook1633
blue?1636
true blue?1636
tenacious1640
uncomplying1643
yieldless1651
riveting1658
unshakened1659
inconquerable1660
unyielding1677
unbendinga1688
tight1690
unswerving1694
unfaltering1727
unsubmitting1730
undeviating1732
undrooping1736
impervertible1741
undamped1742
undyingc1765
sturdy1775
stiff as a poker1798
unfickle1802
indivertible1821
thick and thin1822
undisheartened1827
inconvertible1829
straightforward1829
indomitable1830
stickfast1831
unsuccumbing1833
unturnable1847
unswerved1849
undivertible1856
unforsaking1862
swerveless1863
steeve1870
rock-ribbed1884
stiff in the back1897
a1275 Prov. Alfred 673 in Old Eng. Misc. Ac nim þe to þe a stable mon, Þat word and dede bi-sette con.
c1290 Beket 240 in S. Eng. Leg. 113 Of þe Ercedekne Thomas, Men tolden him sone i-nouȝ, hov he was stable Man and wis, and to alle guodnesse drouȝ.
1362 W. Langland Piers Plowman A. x. 110 Hold þe stable and studefast And strengþe þi-seluen.
1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomew de Glanville De Proprietatibus Rerum (1495) vi. xii. 196 Men ben more wyse and wytty, more stedfaste and stable than wymmen.
c1400 Rule St. Benet, Ord. Nuns 142 To þam þat..standis stabill in-to þe purpose þat þa be-gane, it is [etc.].
1500 Ortus Vocabulorum Continens, stable or chaste.
a1513 W. Dunbar Poems (1998) I. 265 Hald God thy freind, evir stabill be him stand.
a1525 (c1448) R. Holland Bk. Howlat l. 174 in W. A. Craigie Asloan MS (1925) II. 100 Stable and steidfast tender and trewe.
1526 W. Bonde Pylgrimage of Perfection iii. sig. Dviiiv Let vs be stable and neuer loke backewarde agayne to the worlde.
1588 A. King tr. P. Canisius Cathechisme or Schort Instr. 46 It is the Apostolicke doctrine, to stand firme, and stabill in ye traditions also quhilk ar nocht within.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > will > decision > constancy or steadfastness > [adjective]
fasteOE
stathelfasteOE
anredOE
hardOE
starkOE
trueOE
steadfast993
fastredeOE
stithc1000
findyOE
stablea1275
stathelyc1275
stiffc1275
stablec1290
steel to the (very) backa1300
unbowinga1300
stably13..
firm1377
unmovablea1382
constantc1386
abidingc1400
toughc1400
sure1421
unmoblea1425
unfaintedc1425
unfaint1436
permanent?a1475
stalwartc1480
unbroken1513
immovable1534
inconcuss1542
unshaken1548
stout1569
unwavering1570
undiscourageable1571
fixed1574
discourageable1576
unappalled1578
resolute1579
unremoved1583
resolved1585
unflexiblea1586
unshakeda1586
square1589
unstooping1597
iron1598
rocky1601
steady1602
undeclinable1610
unboweda1616
unfainting1615
unswayed1615
staunch1624
undiscourageda1628
staid1631
unshook1633
blue?1636
true blue?1636
tenacious1640
uncomplying1643
yieldless1651
riveting1658
unshakened1659
inconquerable1660
unyielding1677
unbendinga1688
tight1690
unswerving1694
unfaltering1727
unsubmitting1730
undeviating1732
undrooping1736
impervertible1741
undamped1742
undyingc1765
sturdy1775
stiff as a poker1798
unfickle1802
indivertible1821
thick and thin1822
undisheartened1827
inconvertible1829
straightforward1829
indomitable1830
stickfast1831
unsuccumbing1833
unturnable1847
unswerved1849
undivertible1856
unforsaking1862
swerveless1863
steeve1870
rock-ribbed1884
stiff in the back1897
the mind > attention and judgement > judgement or decision > discernment, discrimination > [adjective] > showing sound judgement
stablec1290
ripec1405
judging1546
sound1577
judiciala1586
judicious1598
judgmatical1709
well-judged1717
judgmatic1787
veracious1851
c1290 St. Michael 675 in S. Eng. Leg. 319 Ho so hath of þe eorþe mest he is slouȝ ase þe Asse,..Sone old and nouȝt willesfol stable and studefast of mod.
c1320 Cast. Love 384 Þou art also so trewe a kyng, And stable of þouȝt in alle þyng.
c1390 (?c1350) Joseph of Arimathie (1871) l. 245 Bote beo ȝe stable in oure fei and foloweþ vre werkes.
c1400 Mandeville's Trav. (Roxb.) xxxi. 139 All gude Cristen men, þat er stable in þe faith, may ga in to þat valay.
1477 W. Caxton tr. R. Le Fèvre Hist. Jason (1913) 130 Considering the..promesse that he had made with Medea [Jason] abode ferme and stable in his firste purpoos.
a1500 Lancelot of Laik (1870) 1671 And of thi wordis beis trew and stable.
c1540 (?a1400) Destr. Troy 10654 Ector..was stithist of stoure, stabill of hert.
1549 Forme & Maner consecratyng Archebishoppes sig. D.ijv Continuing euer stable and strong in thy sonne Christ.
1678 J. Bunyan Pilgrim's Progress 34 Things to make me stable In what I have began to take in hand.
ΚΠ
13.. Cato 214 in Minor Poems fr. Vernon MS. 570 Hose feyneþ him frend with word And not wiþ herte stable.
c1374 G. Chaucer Compl. Mars 281 Ye, my ladyes, that ben true and stable.
c1386 G. Chaucer Clerk's Tale 931 And to hire housbonde euere meke and stable.
1390 J. Gower Confessio Amantis II. 16 The god of love is favorable To hem that ben of love stable.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > will > decision > obstinacy or stubbornness > [adjective]
starkOE
moodyOE
stithc1000
stidyc1175
stallc1275
harda1382
stubbornc1386
obstinate?1387
throa1400
hard nolleda1425
obstinant?a1425
pertinacec1425
stablec1440
dour1488
unresigned1497
difficultc1503
hard-necked1530
pertinatec1534
obstacle1535
stout-stomached1549
hard-faced1567
stunt1581
hard-headed1583
pertinacious1583
stuntly1583
peremptory1589
stomachous1590
mulish1600
stomachful1600
obstined1606
restive1633
obstinacious1649
opinionated1649
tenacious1656
iron-sided1659
sturdy1664
cat-witted1672
obstinated1672
unyielding1677
ruggish1688
bullet-headed1699
tough1780
pelsy1785
stupid1788
hard-set1818
thick and thin1822
stuntya1825
rigwiddie1826
indomitable1830
recalcitrant1830
set1848
mule-headed1870
muley1871
capitose1881
hard-nosed1917
tight1928
c1440 Promptorium Parvulorum 471/2 Stable, and a-bydyng yn malyce, pervicax, pertinax.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > will > decision > constancy or steadfastness > [adjective] > capable of moral effort or endurance
strongeOE
dreicha1200
stable13..
wilfulc1330
toughc1400
durable1541
strong-minded1544
unbending1796
cast iron1829
backboned1940
the world > life > the body > bodily constitution > bodily strength > [adjective] > robust
strongeOE
hardOE
stalworthc1175
starka1250
stiff1297
steel to the (very) backa1300
stalworthyc1300
wightc1300
stable13..
valiant1303
stithc1325
toughc1330
wrast1338
stoura1350
sadc1384
wighty14..
derfc1440
substantialc1460
well-jointed1483
felon1487
robust1490
stalwart1508
stoutya1529
robustous?1531
rankc1540
hardy1548
robustious1548
stout1576
rustical1583
rustic1620
iron1638
robustic1652
swankinga1704
strapping1707
rugged1731
solid1741
vaudy1793
flaithulach1829
ironbark1833
swankie1838
tough as (old) boots or leather1843
skookum1847
hard (also tough, sharp) as nails1862
hard-assed1954
nails1974
13.. Evang. Nicod. 150 (Harl.) He bad þam tak men more myghty, Strang and stabyll of state.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 13 Hys [sc. King Arthur's] knythes..Als wawan, cai and oþer stabell.
c1430 J. Lydgate Minor Poems (Percy Soc.) 98 Holy Helyas..Made stronge in spirite fourty dayes went In his journay, the brede made hym so stable.
1508 Golagros & Gawane (Chepman & Myllar) sig. c Ane sterne knyght stalwart and stabill.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the supernatural > deity > [adjective] > unchangeable
stablec1385
the world > the supernatural > deity > Christian God > nature or attributes of God > [adjective] > immutable
unchangeablea1340
stablec1385
c1385 G. Chaucer Legend Good Women 346 A god ne sholde nat be thus agreued But of hys deitee he shal be stable.
c1405 (c1395) G. Chaucer Franklin's Tale (Hengwrt) (2003) l. 163 That semen rather a foul confusioun Of werk than any fair creacioun Of swich a perfit wys god and a stable.
1700 J. Dryden Chaucer's Palamon & Arcite iii, in Fables 87 He perfect, stable; but imperfect We, Subject to Change, and diff'rent in Degree.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1915; most recently modified version published online June 2022).
† stablev.1
Obsolete.
1.
a. transitive. To make stable, in various senses; to strengthen, render firm or fixed; to render steadfast; to bring into a secure or permanent condition; to confirm, ratify.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > absence of movement > render immobile [verb (transitive)] > stabilize
stablea1300
firmc1374
establish1664
securea1741
stabilize1861
the mind > will > decision > constancy or steadfastness > adhere constantly or steadfastly to [verb (transitive)] > make steadfast
strongOE
strengthc1200
stablea1300
resolvea1398
sadc1400
nourish?a1425
settle1435
pitha1500
stiffen?a1500
steel1581
toughen1582
ballastc1600
efforta1661
fix1671
balance1685
to fix the mercury1704
instrengthen1855
to put stuffing into1977
society > law > rule of law > [verb (transitive)] > validate or ratify
confirmc1290
affirma1325
authorize1431
corrobore1485
stable1501–2
find1512
corroborate1530
authenticate1555
warrant1598
validatea1648
convalidate1656
execute1737
enforce1756
homologatea1765
sanction1778
formalize1855
a1300 Birth of Jesus 110 in Horstm. Alteng. Leg. (1875) (Ashm.) 70 Vche ȝer also ioachim to þe temple wende Þre siþe, to stable [v.r. stablen] his biheste, ȝif god him eny sende.
1338 R. Mannyng Chron. (1725) 244 Wardeyns gode he sette, to stabille þe lond.
c1380 J. Wyclif Sel. Wks. II. 178 Þis bileve shulde stable men to stonde stifly in Goddis cause.
c1386 G. Chaucer Merchant's Tale 1161 (Harl. 1758) Till that your sight stablid [v.rr. y-stabled, I-stabled, ysatled] be a while Ther may full many a sight you be-gile.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 19262 Cristen kirc, þan it bigan, Yeit was it noght stablid [Fairf. stabeled] þan.
c1400 N. Love tr. Bonaventura Mirror Life Christ (1907) 212 In feithe also he enformed hem and stabled hem more perfitely in byleue of his godhede.
c1440 Promptorium Parvulorum 471/2 S(t)abelyn, or make stable and stede..stabilio, solido.
c1460 (?c1400) Tale of Beryn l. 1976 Sith I the fynde in suche plyte, our bargen for to stabill, Wee woll tofore þe Steward, þere we both shull have riȝte.
a1475 Bk. Curtasye (Sloane 1986) l. 169 in Babees Bk. (2002) i. 304 When þou ministers at þe heghe autere, With bothe hondes þou serue þo prest in fere, Þe ton to stabulle þe toþer Lest þou fayle, my dere broþer.
c1485 Digby Myst. (1882) ii. 569 Stabyll your syghtes, and look ye not stunt.
1501–2 in J. B. Paul Accts. Treasurer Scotl. (1900) II. 140 To David Grame, to pas to Glasgo to stabill his procuratouris and to mak his expens on his pley, lvj s.
1530 Myroure Oure Ladye (Fawkes) (1873) iii. 297 Forsothe god hathe stabeled the erthe, whiche shall not be meued.
a1538 T. Starkey Dial. Pole & Lupset (1989) 28 Man stablyd & confyrmyd wyth perfayt fayth & sure hope.
1545 T. Raynald & R. Jonas in tr. E. Roesslin Byrth of Mankynde iv. sig. Z.ii To stable & stedfast the teathe and to kepe the gumms in good case.
b. To base or ground (an argument, etc.) upon.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > testing > debate, disputation, argument > putting forward for discussion > put forward [verb (transitive)] > base argument on
to stand on ——1392
stable?1521
?1521 J. Fisher Serm. agayn Luther sig. Aiij The fyrst .iij. instruccyons..shall vndermyne .iij. great groundes, wher vpon Martyn dothe stable in maner all his articles.
2. To put or set up in a certain position or place, or in a safe or firm place. to stable up: to collect and place; passive to have taken one's stand.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > place > placing or fact of being placed in (a) position > place or put in a position [verb (transitive)] > fix or establish in position
i-set971
fastc1275
stablea1300
steada1300
pitchc1300
stablisha1325
ficchec1374
resta1393
seizea1400
locate1513
root1535
plant?a1562
room1567
repose1582
fix1638
haft1728
the world > space > relative position > posture > upright or erect posture > be in upright or erect position [verb (intransitive)]
standOE
to stable upa1300
sustainc1425
a1300 Cursor Mundi 24628 Fra me ne wald þai na wight tuin, Til i com til mi cosin in, Þar stabild þai mi stall.
a1400–50 Wars Alex 1091 May þou oȝt, lede, þe ȝonder lawe lyft on þi schulder, And stire it oute of þe stede & stable in a-nothire?
a1400–50 Wars Alex 1367 To stable vp a grete strenthe all on store schipis, Hugir be þe halfe dele & hiȝere þan þe toþire.
c1475 Hunting Hare 109 When that ye bin stabult up, I wylle ryde and putt her [the hare] vp.
c1480 (a1400) St. Lucy 163 in W. M. Metcalfe Legends Saints Sc. Dial. (1896) II. 391 My patrimone haf I stablit in sa sekire place, quhare foule corrupcion neuir ves.
3. To ordain permanently, establish, fix, institute; to appoint, settle.
ΘΚΠ
the world > existence and causation > causation > initiating or causing to begin > initiate [verb (transitive)] > found or establish
arear?a800
astellc885
planteOE
i-set971
onstellOE
rightOE
stathelOE
raisec1175
stofnec1175
stablea1300
morec1300
ordainc1325
fermc1330
foundc1330
instore1382
instituec1384
establec1386
firmc1425
roota1450
steadfastc1450
establishc1460
institute1483
to set up1525
radicate1531
invent1546
constitute1549
ordinate1555
rampire1555
upset1559
stay1560
erect1565
makea1568
settle1582
stablish1590
seminarize1593
statuminatea1628
hain1635
bottom1657
haft1755
start1824
society > authority > command > command or bidding > command [verb (transitive)] > ordain, prescribe, or appoint
asetc885
teachc897
deemc900
ashapea1000
i-demeOE
setc1000
shiftc1000
stevenOE
redeOE
willOE
lookc1175
showc1175
stablea1300
devise1303
terminea1325
shapec1330
stightlea1375
determinec1384
judgea1387
sign1389
assize1393
statute1397
commanda1400
decree1399
yarka1400
writec1405
decreetc1425
rule1447
stallc1460
constitute1481
assignc1485
institute1485
prescribec1487
constitue1489
destinate1490
to lay down1493
make?a1513
call1523
plant1529
allot1532
stint1533
determ1535
appointa1538
destinec1540
prescrive1552
lot1560
fore-appoint1561
nominate1564
to set down1576
refer1590
sort1592
doom1594
fit1600
dictate1606
determinate1636
inordera1641
state1647
fix1660
direct1816
a1300 Cursor Mundi 25429 Þou þat has þis werld all wroght, And stabuld it in skill.
1303 R. Mannyng Handlyng Synne 1604 Þys [sixth] comaundment ys of prys, For hyt was stabled yn paradys.
1389 in J. T. Smith & L. T. Smith Eng. Gilds (1870) 54 In septembre yis fraternite is funded & stabeled.
1423 City Lond. Cal. Let. Bk. I (1909) 294 It is ordeyned and stabled that payement be made anon upon such purveaunce made.
1516 in Eng. Gilds (1870) 328 Be hit [the ordinance] ordeynyd and stablyd, by þe M. and Wardens.
a1538 T. Starkey Dial. Pole & Lupset (1989) 11 The same law..ys so stablyd & set, that [etc.].
1538 T. Elyot Dict. Statuo, to ordayne, to determyne, to set faste, to stable a thinge.
4.
a. To establish, install or secure in a possession, office, or dignity, etc.
ΘΚΠ
society > authority > office > appointment to office > appoint a person to an office [verb (transitive)]
setc1000
stevenOE
assign1297
inseta1300
stable1300
ordaina1325
instituec1384
to put ina1387
limitc1405
point?1405
stablish1439
institutec1475
invest1489
assumec1503
to fill the hands of1535
establish1548
settle1548
appoint1557
place1563
assumptc1571
dispose1578
seat1595
state1604
instate1613
to bring ina1616
officea1616
constitute1616
impose1617
ascribe1624
install1647
to set up1685
prick1788
1300–1400 R. Gloucester's Chron. (Rolls) App. xx. 400 Þis king duc henri to sone þo nom & stablede him þer his eir of þis kinedom.
a1340 R. Rolle Psalter ii. 6 I am stabild kynge [L. constitutus sum rex].
1473 in C. Rogers Rental Bk. Cupar-Angus (1879) I. 190 Gif he thinks he ma do better to stabil hym in othir placis.
1513 G. Douglas tr. Virgil Æneid v. xii. 182 Ane hallowit schaw..as sanctuar, Plantit thai haif, and stabillit preistis thair.
b. To secure to (a person, or oneself).
ΚΠ
c1540 J. Bellenden tr. H. Boece Hyst. & Cron. Scotl. iii. vii. f. 29/1 This Guiderius seing the realme stabillit to hym, thocht heuy that the Britonis suld leif vnder seruitude of Romanis.
c1540 J. Bellenden tr. H. Boece Hyst. & Cron. Scotl. vi. xvii. f. 77v/2 We mon othir be vincust..or ellis to be victouris, and stabill oure landis to ws with glore, honoure and permanent eys.
5. ? To hold fast.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > absence of movement > hold or holding > hold [verb (transitive)] > hold firmly, grip, or grasp
clipOE
agropeOE
gripec1175
clencha1300
umbegrip?a1400
clitchc1400
stablec1440
grappe?c1450
coll1490
spenda1500
strain1590
clutch1602
screw1617
fast-hand1632
grasp1774
nevel1788
firm1859
bear-hug1919
c1440 York Myst. xxiii. 187 Sir, oure strength myght not stabill tham stille.
c1602 C. Marlowe tr. Ovid Elegies i. ix. sig. B2v Mars in the deede the black-smithes net did stable.
6. intransitive.
a. To come to a stand, cease from action; to refrain (from tears).
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > ceasing > cease activity [verb (intransitive)]
i-swikec893
swikec897
atwindc1000
linOE
studegieOE
stintc1175
letc1200
stuttea1225
leavec1225
astint1250
doc1300
finec1300
blina1325
cease1330
stable1377
resta1382
ho1390
to say or cry ho1390
resta1398
astartc1400
discontinuec1425
surcease1428
to let offc1450
resista1475
finish1490
to lay a straw?a1505
to give over1526
succease1551
to put (also pack) up one's pipes1556
end1557
to stay (one's own or another's) hand1560
stick1574
stay1576
to draw bridle1577
to draw rein1577
to set down one's rest1589
overgive1592
absist1614
subsista1639
beholdc1650
unbridle1653
to knock offa1657
acquiesce1659
to set (up) one's rest1663
sista1676
stop1689
to draw rein1725
subside1734
remit1765
to let up1787
to wind (up) one's pirna1835
to cry crack1888
to shut off1896
to pack in1906
to close down1921
to pack up1925
to sign off1929
1377 W. Langland Piers Plowman B. i. 120 Til god of his goodnesse gan stable [v.r. stablisse] and stynte.
c1400 Destr. Troy 3386 Who might stithly absteyne, or stable of teris, Þat prestly were pricket with paynes so fele?
b. To become stable.
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > change > absence of change, changelessness > stability, fixity > be stable [verb (intransitive)] > become stable
stable1399
stiffen1856
stabilize1961
1399 W. Langland Richard Redeles i. 10 Of alegeaunce now lerneth a lesson oþer tweyne Wher-by it standith and stablithe moste—By drede, or by dyntis or domes vntrewe [etc.].
1399 W. Langland Richard Redeles iii. 249 Iche rewme vndir roff of þe reyne-bowe Sholde stable and stonde be þese þre degres.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1915; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
stablev.2
/ˈsteɪbl/, U.S. /ˈsteɪb(ə)l/ 1. in extended use.c1957–8 E. M. Forster Life to Come (1972) 175 British officers are never stabled with dagoes, never, it was too damn awkward for words.1962 Daily Tel. 8 Jan. 15/7 The possibility of ‘stabling’ Underground trains in the tunnels instead of in the open at depots during periods of severe icy weather..unfortunately is unworkable.
a. transitive. To put (a horse) into a stable, or into a place which is used as a stable. Formerly also with up (rare). Also transferred.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > farming > animal husbandry > keeping or management of horses > [verb (transitive)] > stable or stall
stablec1380
to set upc1440
livery1837
c1380 Sir Ferumbras (1879) l. 3753 Wan þay had mad fast aboute & y-stablyd þe stede.
a1400 Coer de L. 6770 At the gate he sette porters, And stablede up hys destrers.
1475 Bk. Noblesse (Roxb.) 75 He on a tyme..stabled his hors in Salamon is Temple.
1513 G. Douglas tr. Virgil Æneid vi. iv. 102 The Centawris wer stabillit at this port.
1557 T. Tusser Hundreth Good Pointes Husbandrie sig. B.ii When pasture is gone,..then stable thy plough horse.
1601 P. Holland tr. Pliny Hist. World I. viii. xliii. 223 Wheresoever they [asses] bee stabled, they love to lie at large and have roume ynough.
1605 J. Sylvester tr. G. de S. Du Bartas Deuine Weekes & Wks. ii. ii. 484 Stabling Thy smoaking Coursers vnder th' Earth, to bayte.
1694 J. Clayton in Philos. Trans. (Royal Soc.) 18 121 They never Shoe them, nor Stable them in general.
a1791 Lochmaben Harper iv, in F. J. Child Eng. & Sc. Pop. Ballads (1890) IV. vii. 18/2 Gae stable up the harper's mare.
1820 W. Scott Monastery II. ii. 37 Art thou there, old True-penny? here, stable me these steeds, and see them well bedded.
1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. I. iii. 293 A third could never go into his parish church without being reminded..that Oliver's redcoats had once stabled their horses there.
1890 ‘R. Boldrewood’ Colonial Reformer (1891) 117 As soon as I have stabled the horses.
b. Of a building: To afford stabling for.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > farming > animal husbandry > keeping or management of horses > [verb (transitive)] > stable or stall > afford stabling for
stable1903
1903 ‘S. G. Tallentyre’ Life Voltaire (1905) xxxii. 338 An immense barn which stabled fifty cows and their calves.
2.
a. intransitive. Of an animal: To live in a stable.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > farming > animal husbandry > animal keeping practices general > herding, pasturing, or confining > [verb (intransitive)] > be in stable or stall
stable1508
stall1805
1508 in J. D. Marwick Extracts Rec. Burgh Edinb. (1869) I. 117 With..sufficient lokkis..for thair duris, for the sure keping of the hors that stabillis with thame.
1601 P. Holland tr. Pliny Hist. World I. iv. xi. 78 There, stood the towne Tinda, terrible for the horses of Diomedes that stabled there.
1878 R. B. Smith Carthage xxi. 423 The domestic animals of the Arabs are found stabling in the very buildings which may once, perhaps, have sheltered the Carthaginian Elephants.
b. transferred. To live as in a stable.
ΘΚΠ
society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabiting a type of place > inhabit type of place [verb (intransitive)] > dwell in or as in other buildings
cabin1586
den1610
stable1651
hut1691
templea1711
bog-trota1734
sty1748
village1819
shanty1840
shack1895
flat1966
1651 N. Bacon Contin. Hist. Disc. Govt. 239 Forgetting their ancient yokefellowes, the rurall Presbyters, they stable with the King.
1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost xi. 752 In thir Palaces..Sea-monsters whelp'd And stabl'd . View more context for this quotation
1774 J. Bryant New Syst. (new ed.) I. 470 All the monsters of the sea stabled in the cavities at the foot the mountain.
1817 P. B. Shelley Laon & Cythna ii. iv. 34 Tyrants dwelt side by side, And stabled in our homes.
1909 R. Bridges Ibant Obscuri in New Q. Jan. 22 [Aeneid vi. 286] And many strange creatures of monstrous form and features Stable about th' entrance.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > farming > animal husbandry > keeping or management of horses > [verb (transitive)] > stable or stall > convert into
stable1649
1649 J. Taylor Wandering 19 Exeter..is a faire sweete City, a goodly Cathedrall Church (not yet quite spoyled or stabled).
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1915; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
† stablev.3
Obsolete.
passive and reflexive. To stick fast in the mud. Also figurative. Obsolete.In quot. 1640 apparently associated with stable v.2
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > absence of movement > [verb (intransitive)] > cease to move or become motionless > be arrested or intercepted in progress > by mud, bog, or sand
stablec1571
mire?1590
to be bogged1743–7
boga1800
set1869
founder1875
c1571 E. Campion Two Bks. Hist. Ireland (1963) ii. ix. 123 This is a doughty kinde of accusacion which they urge against me, wherein they are stabled and myred at my first denyall.
1598 J. Florio Worlde of Wordes I many times in many words haue beene so stal'd and stabled.
1627 M. Drayton Moone-calfe in Battaile Agincourt 184 They..In the stiffe mud, are quickly stabled fast.
1629 J. Gaule Distractions 196 Thoul't either jade, or stable thyselfe.
1640 E. Dacres tr. N. Machiavelli Life C. Castracani in tr. N. Machiavelli Prince 268 The bottome proving rotten and miry, some of the Horse came over and over on their riders, and many stuck so fast in the mud that they were there stabled.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1915; most recently modified version published online September 2021).
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n.1c1250
n.21906
adj.a1275
v.1a1300
v.2c1380v.3c1571