v. & n.
--v.
1. a intr. walk unsteadily, totter. b tr. cause to totter (was staggered by the blow).
2 a tr. shock, confuse; cause to hesitate or waver (the question staggered them; they were staggered at the suggestion). b intr. hesitate; waver in purpose.
3 tr. arrange (events, hours of work, etc.) so that they do not coincide.
4 tr. arrange (objects) so that they are not in line, esp.: a arrange (a road-crossing) so that the side-roads are not in line. b set (the spokes of a wheel) to incline alternately to right and left.
--n.
1. a tottering movement.
2 (in pl.) a a disease of the brain and spinal cord esp. in horses and cattle, causing staggering. b giddiness.
3 an overhanging or slantwise or zigzag arrangement of like parts in a structure etc.
Derivatives:
staggerer n.
Etymology: alt. of ME stacker (now dial.) f. ON stakra frequent. of staka push, stagger