[stage] n [ME, fr. MF estage, fr. (assumed) VL staticum, fr. L stare to stand--more at stand] (14c) 1 a: one of a series of positions or stations one above the other: step b: the height of the surface of a river above an arbitrary zero point "flood ~"
2. a (1): a raised platform (2): the part of a theater on which the acting takes place and which often includes the wings (3): the acting profession: the theater as an occupation or activity (4): soundstage b: a center of attention or scene of action 3 a: a scaffold for workmen b: the small platform of a microscope on which an object is placed for examination
4. a: a place of rest formerly provided for those traveling by stagecoach: station b: the distance between two stopping places on a road c: stagecoach
5. a: a period or step in a progress, activity, or development; esp: one of the distinguishable periods of growth and development of a plant or animal "the larval ~ of an insect" b: one passing through a (specified) stage
6: an element or part of an electronic device (as an amplifier) 7: one of two or more sections of a rocket that have their own fuel and engine -- stage.ful n -- stage.like adj -- on the stage : in or into the acting profession
[2]stage vt staged ; stag.ing (1879) 1: to produce (as a play) on a stage
2: to produce or cause to happen for public view or public effect "~ a track meet" "~ a hunger strike" -- stage.able adj [3]stage adj (1824): intended to represent a type or stereotype "a ~ Irishman" "a ~ French accent"