Stair
[steə] or [stɛr]
Definition
(n.) One step of a series for ascending or descending to a different level; -- commonly applied to those within a building.
(n.) A series of steps, as for passing from one story of a house to another; -- commonly used in the plural; but originally used in the singular only.
Inputed by Lilly
Synonyms and Synonymous
n. [1]. Stairs, flight of steps.[2]. Step (of a flight of stairs).
Checker: Nanette
Definition
n. a series of steps for ascending to a higher level: one of such steps: a flight of steps only in pl.: (Spens.) a degree.—ns. Stair′-car′pet carpet suitable for stairs; Stair′case a flight of stairs with balusters &c.; Stair′-rod one of a number of metallic rods for holding a stair-carpet in its place.—adv. Down′stairs in the lower part of a house—opp. to Upstairs.—Back-stairs adjectively for secret underhand; Below stairs in a lower story in the basement.
Typist: Ted
Unserious Contents or Definition
To dream of passing up a stairs, foretells good fortune and much happiness. If you fall down stairs, you will be the object of hatred and envy. To walk down, you will be unlucky in your affairs, and your lovemaking will be unfavorable. To see broad, handsome stairs, foretells approaching riches and honors. To see others going down stairs, denotes that unpleasant conditions will take the place of pleasure. To sit on stair steps, denotes a gradual rise in fortune and delight.
Edited by Julia
Examples
- She falls from the lowermost stair, and is swallowed up in the gulf. Charles Dickens. Hard Times.
- I staggered to my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding stair. Arthur Conan Doyle. The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes.
- The singing again commenced, and rang through the high-roofed rooms, while we silently ascended the stair-case. Mary Shelley. The Last Man.
- George as a boy had been horsewhipped in this room many times; his mother sitting sick on the stair listening to the cuts of the whip. William Makepeace Thackeray. Vanity Fair.
- I turned on the last step of the stair. Charlotte Bronte. Villette.
- A small page admitted us, and we began at once to ascend the broad, well-carpeted stair. Arthur Conan Doyle. The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes.
- It was a clang of the bell, followed instantly by heavy steps upon the stair. Arthur Conan Doyle. The Return of Sherlock Holmes.
- I understand you to say that there are three students who use this stair, and are in the habit of passing your door? Arthur Conan Doyle. The Return of Sherlock Holmes.
- This young man has left prints upon the stair-carpet which made it quite superfluous for me to ask to see those which he had made in the room. Arthur Conan Doyle. The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes.
- Mr. Sedley was uncommon wild last night, sir, he whispered in confidence to Osborne, as the latter mounted the stair. William Makepeace Thackeray. Vanity Fair.
- The house was empty when at length he heard her step on the stair and strolled out of the billiard-room to join her. Edith Wharton. The House of Mirth.
- I stood with my lamp held out over the stair-rail, and he came slowly within its light. Charles Dickens. Great Expectations.
- By the candle she held was revealed a narrow passage, terminating in a narrow stair. Charlotte Bronte. Shirley.
- I ran frantically up the stair and along the passage. Arthur Conan Doyle. The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes.
- You were not aware of any hurrying feet on the stair as you entered the outer door? Arthur Conan Doyle. The Return of Sherlock Holmes.
- And what was Eva saying to Mammy on the stairs? Harriet Beecher Stowe. Uncle Tom's Cabin.
- She answered Sergeant Cuff's inquiry for the landlord, by telling him sharply that her master was up-stairs, and was not to be bothered by anybody. Wilkie Collins. The Moonstone.
- The servant who stood holding the door, asked no question of John, neither did he go before them or follow them as they went straight up-stairs. Charles Dickens. Our Mutual Friend.
- It was indeed a moveable pair of stairs, the lowest end placed at ten feet distance from the wall of the chamber. Jonathan Swift. Gulliver's Travels into Several Remote Nations of the World.
- Would you come up-stairs and wait for her? Charles Dickens. Little Dorrit.
- The former was carrying a heavy basket up the cellar stairs. Charlotte Bronte. Shirley.
- With which he hurried out of the room, down the stairs, up the coachsteps, and into the coach, without another word. Charles Dickens. Oliver Twist.
- It's abominable, to be sure; but St. Clare will have high life below-stairs, and they every one of them live just as they please. Harriet Beecher Stowe. Uncle Tom's Cabin.
- I went out and carried my bags up the stairs. Ernest Hemingway. A Farewell To Arms.
- We drank the second grappa, Rinaldi put away the bottle and we went down the stairs. Ernest Hemingway. A Farewell To Arms.
- So, if you say yes, I'll just go up-stairs and propose it. Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell. North and South.
- A man's feet ascended the stairs. Wilkie Collins. The Moonstone.
- Oliver having 'caught it,' in fulfilment of Noah's prediction, followed that young gentleman down the stairs to breakfast. Charles Dickens. Oliver Twist.
- A spare parlour and bedroom I refurnished entirely, with old mahogany and crimson upholstery: I laid canvas on the passage, and carpets on the stairs. Charlotte Bronte. Jane Eyre.
- And walked with a settled step, down-stairs. Charles Dickens. A Tale of Two Cities.
Checked by Joy