[f. STAY v.2 + -ING1.] The action of STAY v.2; propping up, supporting. Also, † supporting oneself, leaning.
1428–9. Rec. St. Mary at Hill (1905), 70. For iron werk & nayles for stayeng of þe crosse iiijs jd.
1580–1. Fabric Rolls York Minster (Surtees), 118. For two longe yron gaddes for stayinge of a pynnacle of the churche, 11s.
1648. Hexham, II. Een leninge, a Leaning or a Staying against any place.
b. attrib. † staying staff, a staff to lean upon.
1563. Churchyard, Mirr. Mag., Shore’s Wife, lxxiii. A staying staffe and wallet therewithall I bare about as witnesse of my fall.
1577. Kendall, Flowers of Epigr., 68 b. A sachell and a staiyng staffe … Were acceptable to the life, of wise Diogenes.
