[stall] n [ME, fr. OE steall; akin to OHG stal place, stall and perh. to L locus (OL stlocus) place] (bef. 12c) 1 a: a compartment for a domestic animal in a stable or barn b: a space marked off for parking a motor vehicle
2. a: a seat in the chancel of a church with back and sides wholly or partly enclosed b: a church pew c chiefly Brit: a front orchestra seat in a theater--usu. used in pl.
3: a booth, stand, or counter at which articles are displayed for sale
4: a protective sheath for a finger or toe
5: a small compartment "a shower ~"
[2]stall vt (14c) 1: to put into or keep in a stall
2. obs: to install in office 3 a: to bring to a standstill: block; esp: mire b: to cause (an engine) to stop usu. inadvertently c: to cause (an aircraft or airfoil) to go into a stall ~ vi 1: to come to a standstill (as from mired wheels or engine failure)
2: to experience a stall in flying [3]stall n (1916): the condition of an airfoil or aircraft in which excessive angle of attack causes disruption of airflow with attendant loss of lift [4]stall n [alter. of stale lure] (1903): a ruse to deceive or delay [5]stall vi (1903): to play for time: delay ~ vt: to hold off, divert, or delay by evasion or deception