n.
Pronunciation: ' sta-g ə r
Function: verb
Inflected Form: stag · gered ; stag · ger · ing \ -g( ə -)ri ŋ \
Etymology: alteration of earlier stacker, from Middle English stakeren, from Old Norse stakra, frequentative of staka to push; perhaps akin to Old English staca stake ― more at STAKE
Date: 15th century
intransitive verb
1 a : to reel from side to side : TOTTER b : to move on unsteadily < stagger ed toward the door>
2 : to waver in purpose or action : HESITATE
3 : to rock violently <the ship stagger ed >
transitive verb
1 : to cause to doubt or hesitate : PERPLEX
2 : to cause to reel or totter
3 : to arrange in any of various zigzags, alternations, or overlappings of position or time < stagger work shifts> < stagger teeth on a cutter>
– stag · ger · er \ -g ə r- ə r \ noun