First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1stall
noun \ˈstȯl\
Definition of STALL
1
a : a compartment for a domestic animal in a stable or barn b : a space marked off for parking a motor vehicle
2
a : a seat in the chancel of a church with back and sides wholly or partly enclosed b : a church pew c chiefly British : a front orchestra seat in a theater —usually used in plural
3
: a booth, stand, or counter at which articles are displayed for sale
4
: a protective sheath for a finger or toe
5
: a small compartment <a shower stall>; especially : one with a toilet or urinal
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Origin of STALL
Middle English, from Old English steall; akin to Old High German stal place, stall and perhaps to Latin locus (Old Latin stlocus) place
2stall
verb
Definition of STALL
transitive verb1
: to put into or keep in a stall
2
obsolete : install 1
3
intransitive verb
1
: to come to a standstill (as from mired wheels or engine failure)
2
: to experience a stall in flying
First Known Use of STALL
14th century
3stall
noun
Definition of STALL
: the condition of an airfoil or aircraft in which excessive angle of attack causes disruption of airflow with attendant loss of lift
First Known Use of STALL
1916
4stall
noun
Definition of STALL
: a ruse to deceive or delay
Origin of STALL
alteration of stale lure
First Known Use: 1846
5stall
verb
Definition of STALL
intransitive verb : to play for time : delay
transitive verb
: to hold off, divert, or delay by evasion or deception
Origin of STALL
4stall
First Known Use: 1903
STALL Defined for Kids
1stall
noun \ˈstȯl\
Definition of STALL for Kids
1
: a compartment for one animal in a stable or barn
2
: a booth, stand, or counter where business may be carried on or articles may be displayed for sale
3
: a seat in a church choir : a church pew
4
: a small enclosed private compartment <a shower stall>
2stall
verb
stalledstall·ing
Definition of STALL for Kids
: to distract attention or make excuses to gain time <Quit stalling and answer me.>
3stall
verb
stalledstall·ing
Definition of STALL for Kids
1
: to stop or cause to stop usually by accident <The engine keeps stalling.>
2
: to put or keep in a stall <They stalled the horses for the night.>
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