n. & v.
--n.
1. a kind or sort, esp. in regard to appearance and form (an elegant style of house).
2 a manner of writing or speaking or performing (written in a florid style; started off in fine style).
3 the distinctive manner of a person or school or period, esp. in relation to painting, architecture, furniture, dress, etc.
4 the correct way of designating a person or thing.
5 a a superior quality or manner (do it in style). b FORM n.
9 (bad style).
6 a particular make, shape, or pattern (in all sizes and styles).
7 a method of reckoning dates (old style; new style).
8 a an ancient writing-implement, a small rod with a pointed end for scratching letters on wax-covered tablets and a blunt end for obliterating them. b a thing of a similar shape esp. for engraving, tracing, etc.
9 the gnomon of a sundial.
10 Bot. the narrow extension of the ovary supporting the stigma.
11 (in comb.) -WISE.
--v.tr.
1. design or make etc. in a particular (esp. fashionable) style.
2 designate in a specified way.
Derivatives:
styleless adj. stylelessness n. styler n.
Etymology: ME f. OF stile, style f. L stilus: spelling style due to assoc. with Gk stulos column