A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 2001 (DOST Vol. IX).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Sta(y, n.2 [ME and e.m.E. stay (1296), stey(e (1307-8), OE stæᵹ, OF estai (1138 in Larousse).] A rope supporting the mast of a ship. Also fig., to cast (the ship) in (on) the stayes, to restrain forward motion, to exercise caution; to bring (a person) our stayis, ? to bring (him) under control as one would a ship or ? perhaps the quot. belongs elsewhere. —1512 Treas. Acc. IV 461.
Havyn, iij dais, xx warkmen for ane day berand stais quhare the Margret suld ly 1512–13 Treas. Acc. IV 473.
To a man that brocht the James [sc. a ship] colar of hir stay to the new havin 1631–2 Dumbarton Common Gd. Acc. 73.
For taikill to the stayis to the carrior boit —fig. 1581-1623 James VI Poems II 81/35.
The sea so calme [etc.] … Now were we happie, [etc.] … Bot warre the rockes, soone cast her in the stayes 1666–9 Sel. Biog. I 149.
Mr. Humfray desired his ship to cast herself on the stayes till we should hear Mr. White of Dorchaster preach —a1570-86 Maitl. F. 67/32.
Quhat ewer thair wyffis dois thame demand Thay wirk it mony wayis Ay fraudand at the man Quhill thay bring him our stayis Our lordis ar so degenerat Sen ladies tuk sic steir [etc.]
