[sta.ple] n [ME stapel post, staple, fr. OE stapol post; akin to MD stapel step, heap, emporium, OE steppan to step] (13c) 1: a U-shaped metal loop both ends of which are driven into a surface to hold the hook, hasp, or bolt of a lock, secure a rope, or fix a wire in place
2: a small U-shaped wire both ends of which are driven through layers of thin and easily penetrable material (as paper) and usu. clinched to hold the layers together
[2]staple vt sta.pled ; sta.pling (14c): to provide with or secure by staples [3]staple n [ME, fr. MF estaple, fr. MD stapel emporium] (14c) 1: a town used as a center for the sale or exportation of commodities in bulk
2: a place of supply: source
3: a chief commodity or production of a place
4. a: a commodity for which the demand is constant b: something having widespread and constant use or appeal c: the sustaining or principal element: substance
5: raw material
6. a: textile fiber (as wool and rayon) of relatively short length that when spun and twisted forms a yarn rather than a filament b: the length of a piece of such textile fiber [4]staple adj (1615) 1: used, needed, or enjoyed constantly usu. by many individuals
2: produced regularly or in large quantities "~ crops such as wheat and rice"
3: principal, chief