from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Stave \Stave\ (st[=a]v), n. [From {Staff}, and corresponding to
the pl. staves. See {Staff}.]
1. One of a number of narrow strips of wood, or narrow iron
plates, placed edge to edge to form the sides, covering,
or lining of a vessel or structure; esp., one of the
strips which form the sides of a cask, a pail, etc.
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2. One of the cylindrical bars of a lantern wheel; one of the
bars or rounds of a rack, a ladder, etc.
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3. A metrical portion; a stanza; a staff.
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Let us chant a passing stave
In honor of that hero brave. --Wordsworth.
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4. (Mus.) The five horizontal and parallel lines on and
between which musical notes are written or printed; the
staff[7]. [Obs.]
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{Stave jointer}, a machine for dressing the edges of staves.
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