Stave (stāv), 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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Stave, v. i. To burst in pieces by striking against something; to dash into fragments.
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Like a vessel of glass she stove and sank. Longfellow.
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