n. & v.
n. 1 a building set apart and adapted for keeping horses. 2 an establishment where racehorses are kept and trained. 3 the racehorses of a particular stable. 4 persons, products, etc., having a common origin or affiliation. 5 such an origin or affiliation.
v.tr. put or keep (a horse) in a stable. stable-boy a boy employed in a stable. stable-companion (or -mate) 1 a horse of the same stable. 2 a member of the same organization. stable-girl a girl employed in a stable. stable-lad a person employed in a stable. stableful n. (pl. -fuls).
[ ME f. OF estable f. L stabulum f. stare stand ]