from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Steady \Stead"y\ (-[y^]), a. [Compar. {Steadier} (-[i^]*[~e]r);
superl. {Steadiest}.] [Cf. AS. stedig sterile, barren,
stae[eth][eth]ig, steady (in gestae[eth][eth]ig), D. stedig,
stadig, steeg, G. st[aum]tig, stetig. See {Stead}, n.]
1. Firm in standing or position; not tottering or shaking;
fixed; firm. "The softest, steadiest plume." --Keble.
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Their feet steady, their hands diligent, their eyes
watchful, and their hearts resolute. --Sir P.
Sidney.
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2. Constant in feeling, purpose, or pursuit; not fickle,
changeable, or wavering; not easily moved or persuaded to
alter a purpose; resolute; as, a man steady in his
principles, in his purpose, or in the pursuit of an
object.
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3. Regular; constant; undeviating; uniform; as, the steady
course of the sun; a steady breeze of wind.
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Syn: Fixed; regular; uniform; undeviating; invariable;
unremitted; stable.
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{Steady rest} (Mach), a rest in a turning lathe, to keep a
long piece of work from trembling.
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