[stew] n [ME stewe heated room for a steam bath, fr. MF estuve, fr. (assumed) VL extufa--more at stove] (13c) 1 obs: a utensil used for boiling
2: a hot bath 3 a: whorehouse b: a district of bordellos--usu. used in pl.
4. a: fish or meat usu. with vegetables prepared by stewing b (1): a heterogeneous mixture (2): a state of heat and congestion
5: a state of excitement, worry, or confusion
[2]stew vt (14c): to boil slowly or with simmering heat ~ vi 1: to become cooked by stewing
2: to swelter esp. from confinement in a hot or stuffy atmosphere
3: to be in a state of suppressed agitation, worry, or resentment [3]stew n [short for stewardess] (1970): flight attendant