n.
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French estaie, of Germanic origin; akin to Middle Dutch stake pole, Middle Low German stak post, stake pole ― more at STAKE
Date: 14th century
1 : one that serves as a prop : SUPPORT
2 : a thin firm strip (as of plastic) used for stiffening a garment or part (as a shirt collar)
3 : a corset stiffened with bones ― usually used in plural