■ noun
1》 a hard, strong grey or bluish-grey alloy of iron with carbon and usually other elements, used extensively as a structural and fabricating material.
2》 a rod of roughened ~ on which knives are sharpened.
3》 strength and determination: nerves of ~.
■ verb mentally prepare (oneself) to do or face something difficult.
Origin
OE stȳle , stēli , of Gmc origin.