n. & v.
--n.
1. each of the curved pieces of wood forming the sides of a cask, pail, etc.
2 STAFF(1) n. 3.
3 a stanza or verse.
4 the rung of a ladder.
--v.tr. (past and past part. stove or staved)
1. break a hole in.
2 crush or knock out of shape.
3 fit or furnish (a cask etc.) with staves.
Phrases and idioms:
stave in crush by forcing inwards. stave off avert or defer (danger or misfortune). stave rhyme alliteration, esp. in old Germanic poetry.
Etymology: ME, back-form. f. staves, pl. of STAFF(1)