from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
stare \stare\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {stared} (st[^a]rd); p. pr. &
vb. n. {staring}.] [AS. starian; akin to LG. & D. staren,
OHG. star[=e]n, G. starren, Icel. stara; cf. Icel. stira,
Dan. stirre, Sw. stirra, and G. starr stiff, rigid, fixed,
Gr. stereo`s solid (E. stereo-), Skr. sthira firm, strong.
[root]166. Cf. {Sterile}.]
1. To look with fixed eyes wide open, as through fear,
wonder, surprise, impudence, etc.; to fasten an earnest
and prolonged gaze on some object.
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For ever upon the ground I see thee stare.
--Chaucer.
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Look not big, nor stamp, nor stare, nor fret.
--Shak.
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2. To be very conspicuous on account of size, prominence,
color, or brilliancy; as, staring windows or colors.
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3. To stand out; to project; to bristle. [Obs.]
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Makest my blood cold, and my hair to stare. --Shak.
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Take off all the staring straws and jags in the
hive. --Mortimer.
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Syn: To gaze; to look earnestly. See {Gaze}.
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