Webster's English Dictionary

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stave

1. stave \'sta-v\ n [back-formation fr. staves] 1: a wooden stick : STAFF, 
   STAFF  2: any of the narrow strips of wood or narrow iron plates placed 
   edge to ed ge to form the sides, covering, or lining of a vessel (as a 
   barrel) or structure 3: RUNG  4: STANZA  5: STAFF 
2. stave \'sto-v\ vb or staved or stove;  or stav.ing 1: to break in the 
   staves of (a cask)  2: to smash a hole in {~ in a boat}; also : to crush or 
    break inward {staved in several ribs} 3: to drive or thrust away  1: to 
   become stove in - used of a boat or ship  2: to walk or move rapidly