stable

STABLE, a. [L. The primary sense is set, fixed. See Stab.]

1. Fixed; firmly established; not to be easily moved, shaken or overthrown; as a stable government.

2. Steady in purpose; constant; firm in resolution; not easily diverted from a purpose; not fickle or wavering; as a stable man; a stable character.

3. Fixed; steady; firm; not easily surrendered or abandoned; as a man of stable principles.

4. Durable; not subject to be overthrown or changed.

In this region of chance and vanity, where nothing is stable--

STABLE, v.t. To fix; to establish. [Not used.]

STABLE, n. [L., a stand, a fixed place, like stall. See the latter. These words do not primarily imply a covering for horses or cattle.] A house or shed for beasts to lodge and feed in. In large towns, a stable is usually a building for horses only, or horses and cows, and often connected with a coach house. In the country towns in the northern states of America, a stable is usually an apartment in a barn in which hay and grain are deposited.

STABLE, v.t. To put or keep in a stable. Our farmers generally stable not only horses, but oxen and cows in winter, and sometimes young cattle.

STABLE, v.i. To dwell or lodge in a stable; to dwell in an inclosed place; to kennel.