GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

last match results

Found 4 definitions

1.       
   Stale , n. [OE. stale, stele, AS. stael, stel; akin to LG. & D. steel, G. stiel; cf. L. stilus stake, stalk, stem, Gr. στελεόν a handle, and E. stall, stalk, n.] The stock or handle of anything; as, the stale of a rake. [Written also steal, stele, etc.]
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   But seeing the arrow's stale without, and that the head did go
   No further than it might be seen.
   Chapman.
   
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2.       
   Steal , n. [See Stale a handle.] A handle; a stale, or stele. [Archaic or Prov. Eng.]
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   And in his hand a huge poleax did bear.
   Whose steale was iron-studded but not long.
   Spenser.
   
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3.       
   Steal , v. t. [imp. Stole ; p. p. Stolen ; p. pr. & vb. n. Stealing.] [OE. stelen, AS. stelan; akin to OFries. stela, D. stelen, OHG. stelan, G. stehlen, Icel. stela, SW. stjäla, Dan. stiaele, Goth. stilan.]
   To take, and carry away, feloniously; to take without right or leave, and with intent to keep wrongfully; as, to steal the personal goods of another.
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   Maugre thy heed, thou must for indigence
   Or steal, or beg, or borrow, thy dispense.
   Chaucer.
   
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   The man who stole a goose and gave away the giblets in alms.
   G. Eliot.
   
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   To withdraw or convey clandestinely (reflexive); hence, to creep furtively, or to insinuate.
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   They could insinuate and steal themselves under the same by their humble carriage and submission.
   Spenser.
   
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   He will steal himself into a man's favor.
   Shak.
   
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   To gain by insinuating arts or covert means.
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   So Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.
   2 Sam. xv. 6.
   
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   To get into one's power gradually and by imperceptible degrees; to take possession of by a gradual and imperceptible appropriation; -- with away.
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   Variety of objects has a tendency to steal away the mind from its steady pursuit of any subject.
   I. Watts.
   
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   To accomplish in a concealed or unobserved manner; to try to carry out secretly; as, to steal a look.
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   Always, when thou changest thine opinion or course, profess it plainly, . . . and do not think to steal it.
   Bacon.
   
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   To steal a march, to march in a covert way; to gain an advantage unobserved; -- formerly followed by of, but now by on or upon, and sometimes by over; as, to steal a march upon one's political rivals.
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   She yesterday wanted to steal a march of poor Liddy.
   Smollett.
   
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   Fifty thousand men can not easily steal a march over the sea.
   Walpole.
   
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   Syn. -- To filch; pilfer; purloin; thieve.
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4.       
   Steal , v. i.
   To practice, or be guilty of, theft; to commit larceny or theft.
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   Thou shalt not steal.
   Ex. xx. 15.
   
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   To withdraw, or pass privily; to slip in, along, or away, unperceived; to go or come furtively.
   Chaucer.
   
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   Fixed of mind to avoid further entreaty, and to fly all company, one night she stole away.
   Sir P. Sidney.
   
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   From whom you now must steal, and take no leave.
   Shak.
   
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   A soft and solemn breathing sound
   Rose like a steam of rich, distilled perfumes,
   And stole upon the air.
   Milton.
   
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