Possible Definitions:
1. Stay (n.) A large, strong rope, employed to support a mast, by being extended from the head of one mast down to some other, or to some part of the vessel. Those which lead forward are called fore-and-aft stays; those which lead to the vessel's side are called backstays. See Illust. of Ship.
2. Stay (v. i.) To stop from motion or falling; to prop; to fix firmly; to hold up; to support.
3. Stay (v. i.) To support from sinking; to sustain with strength; to satisfy in part or for the time.
4. Stay (v. i.) To bear up under; to endure; to support; to resist successfully.
5. Stay (v. i.) To hold from proceeding; to withhold; to restrain; to stop; to hold.
6. Stay (v. i.) To hinde/; to delay; to detain; to keep back.
7. Stay (v. i.) To remain for the purpose of; to wait for.
8. Stay (v. i.) To cause to cease; to put an end to.
9. Stay (v. i.) To fasten or secure with stays; as, to stay a flat sheet in a steam boiler.
10. Stay (v. i.) To tack, as a vessel, so that the other side of the vessel shall be presented to the wind.
11. Stay (v. i.) To remain; to continue in a place; to abide fixed for a space of time; to stop; to stand still.
12. Stay (v. i.) To continue in a state.
13. Stay (v. i.) To wait; to attend; to forbear to act.
14. Stay (v. i.) To dwell; to tarry; to linger.
15. Stay (v. i.) To rest; to depend; to rely; to stand; to insist.
16. Stay (v. i.) To come to an end; to cease; as, that day the storm stayed.
17. Stay (v. i.) To hold out in a race or other contest; as, a horse stays well.
18. Stay (v. i.) To change tack; as a ship.
19. Stay (n.) That which serves as a prop; a support.
20. Stay (n.) A corset stiffened with whalebone or other material, worn by women, and rarely by men.
21. Stay (n.) Continuance in a place; abode for a space of time; sojourn; as, you make a short stay in this city.
22. Stay (n.) Cessation of motion or progression; stand; stop.
23. Stay (n.) Hindrance; let; check.
24. Stay (n.) Restraint of passion; moderation; caution; steadiness; sobriety.
25. Stay (n.) Strictly, a part in tension to hold the parts together, or stiffen them.
