steɪv n. & v. --n. 1
each of
the curved pieces of
wood forming the sides of a
cask,
pail, etc. 2 =
STAFF(1) n. 3. 3 a
stanza or
verse. 4 the rung of a
ladder. --v.tr. (past
and past part. stove or staved) 1 break a
hole in. 2
crush or
knock out of
shape. 3 fit or
furnish (a cask etc.)
with staves. østave in crush by forcing
inwards. stave
off avert or defer (danger or misfortune). stave
rhyme alliteration,
esp. in
old Germanic poetry. [ME, back-form. f. staves, pl. of STAFF(1)]