Definition of stave
(Entry 1 of 2)
1
: any of the narrow strips of wood or narrow iron plates placed edge to edge to form the sides, covering, or lining of a vessel (such as a barrel) or structure
4
: stanza sense 1
stave
verbDefinition of stave (Entry 2 of 2)
1
: to smash a hole in
stove in the boat
also
: to crush or break inward
staved in several ribs
2
: to break in the staves of (a cask)
3
: to drive or thrust away
1
: to walk or move rapidly
2
archaic
: to become stove in
—used of a boat or ship
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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Time Traveler for stave
The first known use of stave was in the 13th century
See more words from the same century