[f. STAY v.3 + -ING1.] The action of STAY v.3
a. 1618. Ralegh, Invent. Shipping, 29. Which may be chosen…, by reason of their ready staying and turning.
c. 1635. Capt. N. Boteler, Dialogues Sea Services (1685). Staying of masts.
1830. Marryat, King’s Own, xxiv. A boat … had been lowered down … to examine the staying of the masts.
