stretcher (n.) — stuck-up (adj.)

stretcher (n.)

early 15c., "person who stretches," especially fabrics, agent noun from stretch (v.). Also used in various technical senses; by 1670s as "exaggerated story."ETD stretcher (n.).2

As "light, simple litter; canvas frame for carrying the sick or wounded," from 1845, probably so called because the frame keeps the canvas stretched. Stretcher-bearer is by 1876.ETD stretcher (n.).3

strew (v.)

Middle English streuen, "scatter about, spread loosely," from Old English strewian, streowian, from Proto-Germanic *strawjanan (source also of Old Frisian strewa, Old Saxon strowian, Old Norse stra, Danish strø, Swedish strö, Middle Dutch strowen, Dutch strooien, Old High German strouwen, German streuen, Gothic straujan "to sprinkle, strew"), from suffixed form of PIE root *stere- "to spread." Related: Strewed; strewn; strewing.ETD strew (v.).2

Shakespeare found a noun to go with it in Hamlet's maiden strewments; strewage was used by 1902 for "scattered things;" the earliest noun was simple strew (1590s) but this is rare.ETD strew (v.).3

strewn

a past participle of strew (v.).ETD strewn.2

stria (n.)

plural striae, "narrow stripe, groove," a word used variously in anatomy, botany, architecture, geology, and glassmaking, 1560s, from Latin stria "a furrow, flute of a column" (see striate). Related: Strial.ETD stria (n.).2

striate (v.)

"to score, stripe, cause striations in," 1709, from special modern use of Latin striatus, "furrowed, grooved," past participle of striare "to groove, to flute," from Latin stria "furrow, channel, flute of a column" (in Modern Latin "strip, streak"), possibly from PIE root *strig- "to stroke, rub, press" (see strigil).ETD striate (v.).2

Related: Striated (1640s); striating. Earlier striate was an adjective in English, "marked or scarred with striae" (1670s).ETD striate (v.).3

striation (n.)

1849, "one of a set of fine parallel streaks," originally and especially of glacial grooves in rock, noun of action from striate (v.). As "state of being striated," by 1851.ETD striation (n.).2

strick (n.)

"handful of broken hemp, jute, flax, etc.," c. 1400, apparently from the root of strike (v.). Also "flat piece of wood for levelling grain in a measure" (14c., also known as a strickle) and a measure of capacity (early 15c.). Also as a verb (c. 1400).ETD strick (n.).2

Strickle also became a verb, "level off (grain in a measure) by means of a strickle," and by 19c. the verb was used in casting, molding, bricklaying, etc. for "strike off" superfluous matter as with a strickle. Related: Strickled; strickler; strickling.ETD strick (n.).3

Strike (v.), meanwhile, in Middle English also could mean "make level, strike off" superfluous matter (14c.), a sense preserved in molding, bricklaying, etc.ETD strick (n.).4

stricken (adj.)

1510s, of a deer, "wounded in the chase," adjective use of the now-largely archaic past participle of strike (v.). The usual past participle now is struck, but stricken has persisted especially in U.S. legal and legislative language.ETD stricken (adj.).2

The general sense of "overwhelmed, brought down" by disease, terror, panic, grief, etc. is by 1530s, especially in combinations. Figuratively, of the mind or heart, "mad or frantic with grief, fear, etc.;" of a person, a community, etc., "overwhelmed, brought down" (by disease, terror, grief, etc.) by 1570s, especially in combinations. Simple stricken in this sense is by 1846.ETD stricken (adj.).3

An earlier sense development is reflected in 13c. phrase striken in elde "advanced in years," from strike in the sense of "to move, go," hence stricken "far advanced."ETD stricken (adj.).4

strict (adj.)

early 15c., in a physical sense, "restricted as to space or extent; narrow, drawn in tight, small," from Latin strictus "drawn together, close, tight," past participle of stringere (2) "to draw or bind tight" (see strain (v.)).ETD strict (adj.).2

Original sense obsolete; the surviving senses seem to have evolved on the notions of "tenseness" or "closeness." The meaning "stringent and rigorous" (of law) is by 1570s. In reference to qualities or conditions generally, "exact, careful," by 1590s. The figurative sense of "absolute, unbroken" (of silence, etc.) is by 1580s. Strict tempo for regular rhythm in dance music is by 1936.ETD strict (adj.).3

strictness (n.)

c. 1600, "severity of life or behavior;" 1630s, "rigorous accuracy or precision in statement;" from strict (adj.) + -ness. Geometry uses striction.ETD strictness (n.).2

strictly (adv.)

late 15c., of commands, duties, etc., "rigorously;" c. 1600, exactly, with rigorous accuracy;" from strict (adj.) + -ly (2). From 1640s in the physical sense of "narrowly, closely;" from 1938 in U.S. colloquial as "exclusively, thoroughly."ETD strictly (adv.).2

stricture (n.)

c. 1400, in pathology, "abnormal narrowing in a body part," from Late Latin strictura "contraction, constriction; hardened mass of iron," noun of action from past-participle stem of stringere (2) "to bind or draw tight" (see strain (v.)).ETD stricture (n.).2

The sense of "criticism, critical remark" is recorded by 1650s, perhaps from the other or parallel Latin verb stringere "to touch lightly" (see strigil) on the notion of "a touch in passing." Related: Strictural.ETD stricture (n.).3

stride (n.)

"a step in walking," especially a long one, from Old English stride "a stride, a step," from the root of stride (v.). Compare Dutch strijd, Old High German strit, German Streit "fight, contention, combat," Swedish and Danish strid "combat, contention." For the different Germanic senses, see the verb.ETD stride (n.).2

It is also attested in Old English as a measure of distance, roughly the length of an adult human stride. The meaning "a standing with the legs apart, a straddle" is from 1590s. Strides (1889) was criminal slang for "trousers, pants, jeans."ETD stride (n.).3

In reference to animals (especially horses), it is attested by 1610s; hence by 19c. "regular uniform movement in a race," hence colloquial hit (one's) stride "attain in action the state or condition where one does best." In reference to persons, "a striding gait," by 1670s. To take (something) in stride (1832), i.e. "without change of gait," originally is of horses leaping hedges in the hunting-field; the figurative sense of this is attested from 1902.ETD stride (n.).4

Jazz music stride tempo is attested from 1938, probably in reference to the left hand's alternating one-octave stretch from the single note to the chord; stride piano is by 1952, a style associated with Fats Waller and others.ETD stride (n.).5

stride (v.)

Middle English striden, from Old English stridan (past tense strad, past participle striden), "to straddle, mount" (a horse), from Proto-Germanic *stridanan (source also of Middle Low German strede "stride, strive;" Old Saxon stridian, Danish stride, Swedish strida "to fight," Dutch strijden, Old High German stritan, German streiten "to fight, contend, struggle," Old Norse striðr "strong, hard, stubborn, severe"). Boutkan gives it no IE etymology.ETD stride (v.).2

The sense of "walk with long or extended steps" in English is from c. 1200, usually implying haste. The figurative meaning "advance rapidly, make progress" is from c. 1600. The transitive sense of "pass over by a long step" is from 1570s. The meaning "sit astride on, straddle" is from mid-14c.ETD stride (v.).3

The senses having to do with walking and standing (compare astride) are found only in English and Low German, the Continental cognates mostly meaning "to fight, to struggle." OED tentatively offers that the shifted sense (if it is that) might be via the notion of "strong effort" involved in making long strides or striving forward.ETD stride (v.).4

strident (adj.)

"creaking, harsh, grating" 1650s (Blount), from French strident (16c.) and directly from Latin stridentem (nominative stridens), present participle of stridere "utter a shrill, inarticulate sound; grate, screech," probably of imitative origin; de Vaan describes it as an "Onomatopoeic formation ... rendering a high, thrilling tone." There may have been a PIE *(s)trei-; compare Greek trismos "a grinding, scream" (see trismus); trizein "to squeak." By 1956 in phonetics. Related: Stridently; stridence; stridency.ETD strident (adj.).2

strider (n.)

"one who strides" in any sense, 1805, agent noun from stride (v.).ETD strider (n.).2

stridor (n.)

"harsh, high-pitched creaking noise; shrill sound," 1630s, from Latin stridor "a squeak, a shriek," a derivative of stridere "to grate, screech" (see strident).ETD stridor (n.).2

stridulous (adj.)

"making a small, shrill sound," 1610s (Chapman, of grasshoppers), from Latin stridulus "giving a shrill sound, creaking," a derivative of stridere "make a shrill inarticulate sound, grate, creak," which is possibly of imitative origin (see strident). Related: Stridulously; stridulousness.ETD stridulous (adj.).2

stridulation (n.)

1831, "act, process, or function of making stridulous noise," also the harsh, high-pitched sound so produced; noun of action from stridulate (v.).ETD stridulation (n.).2

stridulant (adj.)

"that stridulates, capable of stridulating," 1838; earlier in French; see stridulous + -ant. Related: Stridulantly.ETD stridulant (adj.).2

stridulate (v.)

of certain insects, "make a noise like a cicada, effect stridulation," 1838, a back-formation from stridulation, or else as if from a Latin *stridulare. Related: Stridulated; stridulating; stridulatory. Agent noun stridulator "insect's apparatus for stridulating" is attested by 1880.ETD stridulate (v.).2

strifeful (adj.)

"full of discord," late 14c., from strife (n.) + -ful. A rare and awkward word to pronounce, originally and for long strifful. The full form is from 17c.; Pope used strife-full. Strifeless (1620s) is less awkward but even rarer.ETD strifeful (adj.).2

strife (n.)

c. 1200, "discord, contention; a quarrel, a fight; action of striving," from Anglo-French estreif, Old French estrif "fight, battle, combat, conflict; torment, distress; dispute, quarrel," variant of estrit "quarrel, dispute, impetuosity." Not found outside French, it is commonly thought to be from Frankish *strid "strife, combat" or another Germanic source (compare Old High German strit "quarrel, dispute") and related to a Germanic verb represented by Old High German stritan "to fight" and English stride (v.) in its oldest sense.ETD strife (n.).2

A variant form strift "quarrel, contention" (c. 1400), later "action of striving" (1610s) is now obsolete; compare thrive/thrift, drive/drift, shrive/shrift.ETD strife (n.).3

strigil (n.)

ancient tool (of metal, ivory, or horn) for scraping the skin after a bath, 1580s, from Latin strigilis "scraper, horse-comb," from stringere (1) "draw along a surface, graze, touch lightly; strip off, pluck off, cut away; clip, prune; lay bare, unsheathe," figuratively "waste, consume, reduce; touch, move, affect, cause pain."ETD strigil (n.).2

This is reconstructed to be from PIE root *strig- "to stroke, rub, press" (source also of Latin striga "stroke, strike, furrow," perhaps stria "furrow, channel;" Old Church Slavonic striga "shear;" Old English stracian "to stroke;" German streichen "to stroke, rub").ETD strigil (n.).3

Etymologists dispute whether this is connected to or the same word as Latin stringere (2) "to tie, tighten," root of strain (v.). Based on the sense differences, de Vaan writes, "It appears that a merger occurred of two different PIE verbs, *strig- 'to brush, strip' and *strengh- 'to tie'."ETD strigil (n.).4

Latin striga itself has been used in English in various technical senses.ETD strigil (n.).5

strike (v.)

Middle English striken, from Old English strican (past tense strac, past participle stricen) "pass lightly over, stroke, smooth, rub" (senses now obsolete), also "go, move, proceed, make one's way," from Proto-Germanic *strikanan (source also of Old Norse strykva "to stroke," Old Frisian strika, Middle Dutch streken, Dutch strijken "to smooth, stroke, rub," Old High German strihhan, German streichen), from PIE root *strig- "to stroke, rub, press" (see strigil).ETD strike (v.).2

It is related to streak (n.) and stroke, and perhaps influenced in sense development by cognate Old Norse striuka. The sense of "go proceed, advance" is preserved in strike for "go toward."ETD strike (v.).3

The transitive sense of "deal a blow" developed by early 14c. The meaning "collide, impinge upon," is from mid-14c.; that of "hit with a hammer" is from mid-14c.; that of "hit with a missile" is from late 14c. To strike while the iron is hot (1560s) is an image from blacksmithing.ETD strike (v.).4

The meaning "cancel or expunge" (as with the stroke of a pen) is attested from late 14c. It is attested from mid-15c. as "reach or conclude" an agreement, etc. To strike a balance is from the sense "balance accounts" (1530s).ETD strike (v.).5

As "produce" a fire or spark "by blows or strokes" (as with a flint), from mid-15c.; in reference to matches, by 1880. Of lightning, etc., late 14c.; of diseases 1520s; of God's punishments 1570s.ETD strike (v.).6

The sense of "stamp with a stroke," as a coin, etc., is by mid-15c. Hence the figurative sense "imprint on the mind, impress (one) strongly" (1610s).ETD strike (v.).7

Of clocks, "sound the hour" (intransitive), early 15c., from the hammer striking the bell; transitive sense of "cause to sound" (a specified time) is by 1510s.ETD strike (v.).8

The sense in strike a pose, attitude, etc. "put oneself determinedly in, fall into" is by 1825. The sense of "come upon, find unexpectedly" (of oil, ideas, etc.) is by 1835, especially in gold-mining, well-digging, etc., hence strike it rich (1854).ETD strike (v.).9

The use of the word in baseball is by 1853, but the sense has reversed (see strike (n.)).ETD strike (v.).10

The meaning "refuse to work to force an employer to meet demands" is from 1768, perhaps from the notion of striking or "downing" one's tools, or threatening or coercive action, or from a sailors' practice of striking (lowering) a ship's sails as a symbol of refusal to go to sea (1768), which preserves the verb's original sense of "make level, smooth."ETD strike (v.).11

To strike as "lower" (sails) is by early 13c., later in reference to lowering the flags or colors in token of respect, but then also to do so to surrender or yield. Hence also to let down a tent (1707), theater scenery, etc.ETD strike (v.).12

strike (n.)

1580s, "act of striking, a blow or darting at a prey," from strike (v.). The earlier noun was striking (n.), c. 1400.ETD strike (n.).2

The meaning "coordinated cessation of work by a body of employees" is from 1810 (in general strike). The extended sense (as in hunger strike) is by 1889. Strike-breaker "scab" is by 1904.ETD strike (n.).3

In baseball the word is recorded from 1841, originally "a hit, contact with the ball," no matter where it went. A hit ball that didn't land in fair play was a foul strike (by 1874, what would later be a foul ball), and it counted against the batter as a miss. As hit (n.) came to be used for "contact that puts the ball in play" and may score runs, strike was left for "a foul strike" as well as "a swing and a miss" both of which count against the batter.ETD strike (n.).4

These senses emerged by 1890s: in reference to the batter, "an unsuccessful attempt to hit the ball," 1896; and, in reference to the pitcher, "a ball so pitched to pass over home plate and which the umpire considers the batter should have swung at," 1891.ETD strike (n.).5

The figurative sense of having two strikes against (of a possible three), "be down to ones last opportunity" is from 1938. Strike zone, "imaginary rectangle with the batter's shoulders and knees as its top and bottom and home plate's edges as its sides," is by 1927. Compare the baseball shorthand use of K for "strikeout."ETD strike (n.).6

The bowling sense (also sometimes ten-strike), "a knocking down of all the pins with one ball" is attested by 1859. The meaning "sudden military attack" is attested from 1942.ETD strike (n.).7

striking (adj.)

1610s, "that strikes," in a physical sense, present-participle adjective from strike (v.). The meaning "producing a vivid impression, standing out, prominent, conspicuous" is by 1752, from the verb in the sense of "catch the fancy of" (1590s). Related: Strikingly; strikingness.ETD striking (adj.).2

As a verbal noun, c. 1400; hence striking distance, that close enough to deal a blow (1751).ETD striking (adj.).3

strike-out (n.)

in baseball, by 1871, from the verbal phrase in the baseball sense, "be put out for failure to strike the ball after a certain number of tries," which is attested by 1866 (see strike (n.)). The transitive sense, in reference to the pitcher, is by 1884.ETD strike-out (n.).2

To strike out is attested from mid-13c. as "lay out flat, unfold," 1520s as "cancel or erase (from a list, etc.) by a stroke of a pen;" 1610s as "proceed in a new direction;" 1859 as "hit about violently, lash out."ETD strike-out (n.).3

striker (n.)

late 14c., "vagabond, wanderer" (late 13c. as a surname), agent noun from strike (v.) in the sense of "travel, go." It is attested from mid-15c. as "coiner;" 1580s as "fighter;" 1850 as "worker on strike;" from 1690s in various games, by 1963 specifically as a soccer position.ETD striker (n.).2

strike up (v.)

verbal phrase, c. 1400 as "raise" (a curtain, etc.), from strike (v.) + up (adv.). It is attested from 1560s as "begin to play or sing," perhaps originally in reference to the drum, but the verb also was used of stringed instruments.ETD strike up (v.).2

Strine

"Australian," by 1964, representing the supposed Australian pronunciation of Australian.ETD Strine.2

string (v.)

c. 1400, "fit (a bow) with a string," from string (n.). The meaning "thread (beads, etc.) on a string" is from 1610s. In reference to a musical instrument, "provide with strings," from 1520s (stringed instrument is from c. 1600). General sense of "move in a loose line" is by 1824.ETD string (v.).2

To string (someone) along is slang attested by 1902 and is of uncertain origin. String (v.) in the sense "deceive" is attested in British dialect from c. 1812; perhaps the phrase is ultimately from the musical instrument sense and has a notion of "'tune' someone (for some purpose)." Related: Stringed (later strung); stringing.ETD string (v.).3

string (n.)

Middle English streng, from Old English streng "line, slender cord, thick thread," also a rope, also the string of a bow or harp, which tightly stretched produces the tone; in plural "tackle, rigging;" also "lineage, race." This is from Proto-Germanic *strangiz (source also of Old Norse strengr, Danish streng, Middle Dutch strenge, Dutch streng, Old High German strang, German Strang "rope, cord"). This is reconstructed to be from *strang- "taut, stiff," from a PIE root *strenk- "tight, narrow."ETD string (n.).2

The sense gradually restricted by early Middle English to lines that are smaller than a rope. The meaning "a number of objects arranged in a file or on a string" is recorded by late 15c.; of successes, disasters, etc., "continuous series or succession," by 1710.ETD string (n.).3

The Old English meaning "ligaments, tendons" is preserved in hamstring (n.), heart-strings.ETD string (n.).4

To pull strings "control the course of affairs" (1860) is an image from marionette theater.ETD string (n.).5

The meaning "limitation, stipulation" (1888) is American English, in political jargon, and could be from the (then-)common April Fool's prank of setting down a money-purse as though dropped, then from seclusion tugging it away with a hidden string when someone stoops to pick it up. Hence the figurative phrase no strings attached (by 1951), though this is confusable with the notion of puppet strings.ETD string (n.).6

First string, second string, etc. in athletics (1863) is said to be from archers carrying a spare bowstring in the event the other broke. The figure of have two strings to one's bow "have alternative resources" is in English by 1540s.ETD string (n.).7

Strings "stringed instruments" is attested from mid-14c.; string-band "band composed of stringed instruments" is by 1889, American English. String bean is from 1759, probably so called for its fibrous threads; string bikini is by 1974, for the straps that hold the fabric together.ETD string (n.).8

stringency (n.)

"stringent character, quality, or condition," 1829, from stringent + abstract noun suffix -cy.ETD stringency (n.).2

stringent (adj.)

c. 1600, "astringent, constrictive, tightening," especially with reference to taste, from Latin stringentem (nominative stringens), present participle of stringere (2) "to compress, contract, bind or draw tight" (see strain (v.)). The older senses are obsolete. In reference to regulations, procedures, etc., "strict, rigorous, exacting," by 1846. Related: Stringently; stringentness.ETD stringent (adj.).2

stringer (n.)

early 15c., strenger, "one who makes bow-strings" (late 12c. as a surname), agent noun from string (v.). The general sense of "one who arranges on a string" is by 1850.ETD stringer (n.).2

The meaning "newspaper correspondent paid by length of copy" is from 1950, probably from the earlier figurative sense of "one who strings words together" (1774), a dismissive or contemptuous term for a writer.ETD stringer (n.).3

stringy (adj.)

1660s, of fibers, "consisting of strings," from string (n.) + -y (2). Of matter, "viscid, ropy," 1690s; of persons or bodies, "sinewy, wiry," 1833. Related: Stringily; stringiness.ETD stringy (adj.).2

strip (v.)

"remove the clothes of, deprive of covering," early 13c., strepen, a specialized sense of Old English -striepan, -strypan (transitive) "to plunder, rob, despoil" (as in West Saxon bestrypan "to plunder," Anglian -strepan). This is from Proto-Germanic *straupijan (source also of Middle Dutch stropen "to strip off, to ramble about plundering," Old High German stroufen "to strip off, plunder," German streifen "strip off, touch upon, to ramble, roam, rove"). Related: Stripped; stripping.ETD strip (v.).2

In reference to screw threads, "pull or tear off," by 1839; of gear wheels, by 1873. The intransitive sense of "take off one's clothes, undress" is from late 14c.; the meaning "perform a strip-tease" is by 1929.ETD strip (v.).3

Strip poker is attested from 1916, in a joke in The Technology Monthly and Harvard Engineering Journal:ETD strip (v.).4

Hence also strip search, by 1947, in accounts of World War II prison camps.ETD strip (v.).5

strip (n.)

"long, narrow, flat piece," mid-15c., specifically "narrow piece of cloth or paper," a doublet of stripe (n.1) if not a variant of it, and like it probably from Middle Low German strippe "strap, thong" or another Low German source.ETD strip (n.).2

The sense extension to wood, land, etc. is by 1630s. The airport sense is from 1936; the race track sense is by 1941.ETD strip (n.).3

The sense in comic strip, "sequence of small drawings telling a story," is by 1920. The meaning "street noted for clubs, bars, etc." is attested from 1939, originally in reference to Los Angeles' Sunset Strip.ETD strip (n.).4

A strip mine (by 1892) is so called because the overlying soil or surface material is removed in successive parallel strips; strip (v.) as a verb meaning "pare off the surface of in strips" is by 1839. Strip-mine as a verb is by 1916.ETD strip (n.).5

stripe (n.1)

"a line or band of a different color in cloth," early 15c., from Middle Dutch or Middle Low German stripe "stripe, streak," from Proto-Germanic *stripan (source also of Danish stribe "a striped fabric," German Streifen "stripe"). These are said to be from a PIE root *strig- "to stroke, rub, press" (see strigil), source also of Old Irish sriab "stripe."ETD stripe (n.1).2

In reference to chevrons, badges, etc., on military uniforms, it is attested from 1827. The figurative use, "particular kind or character" (especially in of a different stripe) is American English, on the notion of "distinctive color." It is attested by 1847 in one of J.K. Paluding's representation of American "Western" dialect:ETD stripe (n.1).3

The phrase previously was used in fabric descriptions. Stripes for "prison uniform" is by 1887, American English.ETD stripe (n.1).4

stripe (v.)

"ornament with stripes," early 15c., from stripe (n.1). Compare Middle Flemish stripen, Middle Low German and Middle Dutch stripen. Related: Striped; striping. Striped bass is attested by 1818, so called for its markings; shortened form striper is by 1945.ETD stripe (v.).2

stripe (n.2)

"a stroke or lash with a whip," c. 1400, probably a special use of stripe (n.1), from the marks left by a lash. Compare also Dutch strippen "to whip," West Frisian strips, which apparently are cognate with the English word but are not attested so early. The notion might be the long, narrow, discolored mark on flesh from a stroke or lash.ETD stripe (n.2).2

stripling (n.)

"a youth, adolescent," especially of a male passing from boyhood to manhood, late 14c., a word of uncertain origin, possibly from diminutive -ling + strip (n.) "long, narrow piece" on the notion of one who is "slender as a strip, one whose form or figure is not yet filled out."ETD stripling (n.).2

stripper (n.)

1580s, "person who strips" (bark from trees, etc.), agent noun from strip (v.). The meaning "machine or appliance for stripping" is by 1835. The sense of "strip-tease performer" is by 1930 (see strip-tease; Life magazine used strippeuse in this sense from 1938 into the 1960s.) The meaning "chemical for removing paint" is by 1930.ETD stripper (n.).2

strip-tease (n.)

also striptease, 1935 in Variety magazine, perhaps a back-formation from stripteaser (1930); see strip (v.) + tease (n.). Strip (v.) and tease (v.) were used separately in this sense in late 1920s.ETD strip-tease (n.).2

(the phrase is in the jump; the subhead also calls it "epidermis terps" "and "open-work hoofing," and compare ecdysiast, stripper).ETD strip-tease (n.).3

strive (v.)

c. 1200, striven, "quarrel, contend; make an endeavor, try," from Old French estriver "to quarrel, dispute, resist, struggle, put up a fight, compete," from estrif, estrit "quarrel" (see strife).ETD strive (v.).2

Rare for a French verb, it has a strong conjugation (past tense strove) by rhyming association with native drive, dive, etc. The strong forms are attested earlier and have always been more usual than the weak. Related: Strived; striving.ETD strive (v.).3

strobe (n.)

1942 as a shortening of stroboscope. As a shortened form of strobe light (or lamp), from 1949. As an adjective from 1942, short for stroboscopic.ETD strobe (n.).2

strobic (adj.)

"resembling a top; having a spinning motion; appearing to spin," 1876, from Greek strobos "a twisting, act of whirling" (from PIE root *streb(h)- "to wind, turn") + -ic.ETD strobic (adj.).2

strobo-

word-forming element, from Greek strobos "a whorl, a twisting, act of whirling," a root variant of streblos "turned, twisted, crooked, cunning," usually said to be from PIE root *streb(h)- "to wind, turn," but Beekes says the evidence points to Pre-Greek origin.ETD strobo-.2

stroboscope (n.)

"instrument for studying motion by periodic light," 1896, with -scope + Greek strobos "a whorl, a twisting, act of whirling" (see strobo-). Earlier the word was used as the name of a similar device used as a "scientific toy" [OED]. Related: Stroboscopic (1846).ETD stroboscope (n.).2

strode

past tense of stride (v.).ETD strode.2

stroganoff (adj.)

in reference to a beef dish cooked in sauce containing sour cream, by 1932, from French, from name of the prominent Russian family. The dish is usually said to be so called in honor of diplomat Count Paul Stroganov (1774-1817).ETD stroganoff (adj.).2

stroke (n.2)

"a stroking movement of the hand," 1630s, from stroke (v.). Stroke-book is attested by 1972.ETD stroke (n.2).2

stroke (v.)

Middle English stroken, from Old English stracian "caress, pass the hand gently over," which is to strican "pass over lightly," from Proto-Germanic *straik-, (source also of Dutch strijken, German streichen), from PIE root *strig- "to stroke, rub, press" (see strigil).ETD stroke (v.).2

The figurative sense of "soothe, flatter" is recorded from 1510s. Related: Stroked; stroking.ETD stroke (v.).3

stroke (n.1)

[act of striking] c. 1300, "blow delivered with a weapon, paw, or hand," probably from an unrecorded Old English *strac, from Proto-Germanic *straik- (source also of Middle Low German strek, German streich, Gothic striks "stroke"); see stroke (v.).ETD stroke (n.1).2

The meaning "mark of a pen" is from 1560s; that of "a striking of a clock" is from mid-15c. By mid-14c. of a crash of thunder. Of the heart's beating, by early 15c.ETD stroke (n.1).3

The general sense of "a sweeping movement of a sustained object" is by 1610s. In reference to a single pull of an oar, by 1580s; by 1731 in reference to a single movement of machinery. Of a single arm-motion in swimming, by 1800. It also is used figuratively to suggest having been made by a sweeping movement.ETD stroke (n.1).4

The meaning "apoplectic seizure" is from 1590s (originally stroke of God's hand); the notion in this sense is "sudden or special effect produced upon an object," which was particularly applied to God's chastisements or judgments.ETD stroke (n.1).5

The sense of "feat, achievement, effective action" (as in stroke of luck, 1853) is by 1670s. In some senses the English word is perhaps influenced by French coup.ETD stroke (n.1).6

stroll (n.)

"a leisurely walk, a wandering about," 1753, from stroll (v.). Earlier "an itinerant performer, wandering player" (1620s).ETD stroll (n.).2

stroll (v.)

c. 1600, "roam, wander without a home" (a sense now obsolete); 1670s, "walk in a careless way, saunter;" a cant word of uncertain origin. If introduced from the Continent, perhaps from dialectal German strollen, a variant of Swiss German strolchen "to stroll about, loaf," from Strolch "vagabond, vagrant," also "fortuneteller," which is perhaps from Italian astrologo "astrologer." Related: Strolled; strolling.ETD stroll (v.).2

stroller (n.)

c. 1600, "strolling player, itinerant performer;" 1670s, "wanderer, vagabond, itinerant beggar," agent noun from stroll (v.). The meaning "child's push-chair" is by 1920 in advertisements.ETD stroller (n.).2

stroma (n.)

1835 in anatomy, in reference to the substance of a part or organ, especially fibrous connective tissue, plural stromae, Modern Latin, from a special use of Latin stroma "bed covering," from Greek strōma "coverlet, covering, mattress; anything spread out for lying or sitting on" (from PIE root *stere- "to spread"). Compare stratum. Related: Stromal; stromatic; stromatous.ETD stroma (n.).2

Stromboli (n.)

1660s as the name of a volcanic island north of Sicily, formerly called Strongyle in English. Applied to various Italian-influenced foods starting circa 1950, due to the impact of Roberto Rossellini's film Stromboli.ETD Stromboli (n.).2

The name is from Greek strongylē "round," from strongylos "round spherical, compact," which is perhaps related to strangos "tied together," but the sense is not obvious. The island probably was so called for its conic shape.ETD Stromboli (n.).3

strong (adj.)

Middle English strong, from Old English strang, of living things, body parts, "physically powerful;" of persons, "firm, bold, brave; constant, resolute; having authority, able to enforce one's will;" of medicines, poisons, "powerful in effect;" of winds, etc., "violent, forceful, severe," of wine, "having high alcohol content." The general sense is "possessing or imparting force or energy; intense or intensified in degree."ETD strong (adj.).2

It is reconstructed to be from Proto-Germanic *strangaz (source also of Old Norse strangr "strong," Dutch streng "strict, rigorous," Old High German strang "strong, bold, hard," German streng "strict, rigorous"). This is possibly from a PIE *strenk- "tight, narrow" (see string (n.)).ETD strong (adj.).3

Formerly with comparative and superlative strenger, strengest (compare old/elder/eldest). It was used by late 12c. in reference to feelings, emotions; also of objects, castles, etc., "sturdy, firmly fixed or constituted." By 1690s of mental impressions or memories. Of odors from c. 1200. By 1690s in reference to emphatic language.ETD strong (adj.).4

From 1610s as "having or consisting of a large number." Written with a number, "to the extent of" (thousands strong) it is by 1580s.ETD strong (adj.).5

The grammatical sense, in reference to noun case distinctions and verb inflections, is attested by 1841, translating German stark, which was used in a grammatical sense by Jakob Grimm (the notion of "strong" and "weak" better fits German inflections).ETD strong (adj.).6

As a noun, "one who is physically strong" (c. 1300), also collective (as in only the strong can survive, attested by 1857).ETD strong (adj.).7

In Middle English, in addition to offensive odors, it was used of unfortunate events, bad news, harsh laws, bad roads, and bad dreams.ETD strong (adj.).8

Strong suit "what one is good at" (1865) is an image from card-playing; to be strong in a certain suit of cards, "holding commanding or a large number of" its cards, is by 1862.ETD strong (adj.).9

Strong point is by 1840; modern military use is from 1915, translating German feste stellung.ETD strong (adj.).10

Strong man "man of great strength" (especially one who displays it professionally) is recorded from 1784; as a surname it is attested from late 13c. The meaning "dominating man in a political organization" is from 1859.ETD strong (adj.).11

strong (adv.)

Middle English stronge, from Old English strange, stronge "with physical force, violently, severely, furiously, bravely" (co-existing with strongly), from the source of strong (adj.).ETD strong (adv.).2

It is attested by mid-13c. as "exceedingly, greatly." Strongly has largely replaced it except in verbal expressions such as come on strong "be aggressive in behavior," originally come it strong (1812). Going strong (adj.) "vigorous, very active" (1898) is from racing.ETD strong (adv.).3

strong-arm (adj.)

"using physical force," 1897, from the noun phrase (used from c. 1600 as an image of physical force), from strong (adj.) + arm (n.). As a verb from 1903, "beat or rough up someone," especially in a robbery. Related: Strong-armed; strong-arming.ETD strong-arm (adj.).2

strong-box (n.)

"sturdy case or chest for preservation of money and valuables," 1680s, from strong (adj.) + box (n.1).ETD strong-box (n.).2

strong-hold (n.)

also stronghold, c. 1400, "place of confinement;" late 15c., "fastness, fortified place, place of security," from strong (adj.) + hold (n.) "fortified place, refuge." Into 19c. often written as two words.ETD strong-hold (n.).2

strongly (adv.)

Middle English strongli, from Old English stranglice "firmly, stoutly; vehemently;" see strong (adj.) + -ly (2). From late 14c. as "intensely, overpoweringly." By 1530s as "exceedingly."ETD strongly (adv.).2

strontium (n.)

light, dark-yellow metallic element, 1808, coined in Modern Latin by English chemist Sir Humphry Davy (1778-1829), with -ium + Strontian, name of a parish in Argyllshire, Scotland, the site of lead mines where in 1787 strontium first was found. The salts of it burn with a deep red flame. Strontium-90 is the radioactive isotope found in fallout.ETD strontium (n.).2

strop (n.)

mid-14c., stroppe, "loop or strap on a harness," also in nautical use in reference to a ship's rigging, perhaps shortened from Old French estrop, making it the older and more correct form of strap (n.). It was replaced by that word from 16c. But Germanic candidates for its original might include Old English strop "thong for an oar," Middle Low German strop, Middle Dutch strop "loop, noose," Middle Low German strope "loop on a horse's harness."ETD strop (n.).2

The specific sense of "leather strap used for smoothing the edge of a razor drawn over it" is recorded by 1702. The verb in this sense, "sharpen or smooth the edge of," is by 1841. Related: Stropped; stropping. The distribution of senses between strap and strop is arbitrary.ETD strop (n.).3

strophe (n.)

c. 1600, "metrical form repeated once or oftener in a poem," from Greek strophe "stanza," originally "a turning," in reference to the section of an ode sung by the chorus while turning in one direction, from strephein "to turn" (see strepto-). In modern use (by 1895) it can mean no more than stanza.ETD strophe (n.).2

strophic (adj.)

"of or pertaining to a strophe or strophes," 1810, from strophe + -ic. Related: Strophical.ETD strophic (adj.).2

stroppy (adj.)

"rebellious," by 1943, British nautical slang, perhaps a slang mangling of obstreperous. "Sea Passages: A Naval Anthology and Introduction to the Study of English" [1943, Geoffrey Callender] quotes from a letter:ETD stroppy (adj.).2

(To which Callender adds, "There is nothing in this letter which an active service rating could fail to understand.")ETD stroppy (adj.).3

strove

past tense of strive (v.).ETD strove.2

struck

past tense and past participle of strike (v.). Also in dialectal or archaic use as a past-participle, strucken.ETD struck.2

structural (adj.)

1821, "of or pertaining to the action or process of organizing and putting together physically," from structure + -al (1).ETD structural (adj.).2

By 1845 as "of or pertaining to the structure of a building." Special senses in psychology and the social sciences are by 1884 (William James). Related: Structurally.ETD structural (adj.).3

structured (adj.)

"that has a structure," in any sense, 1810, past-participle adjective from structure (v.). The specific meaning "organized so as to produce (desired) results" is from 1959.ETD structured (adj.).2

structure (v.)

"to form into a structure, put together systematically," by 1855 (occasional use from late 16c.), from structure (n.). Related: Structured; structuring.ETD structure (v.).2

structuralism (n.)

1891, as a method of investigation consciousness, from structural + -ism. By 1945 in linguistics, 1955 in sociology.ETD structuralism (n.).2

structure (n.)

mid-15c.; the sense might be "building materials" or "action or process of building or construction," either way it is obsolete. From 1610s as "that which is built, an edifice," especially if large or imposing.ETD structure (n.).2

It is from Latin structura "a fitting together, adjustment; a building, mode of building;" figuratively, "arrangement, order," from structus, past participle of struere "to pile, place together, heap up; build, assemble, arrange, make by joining together," related to strues "heap" (from PIE *streu-, extended form of root *stere- "to spread").ETD structure (n.).3

It is attested from 1610s as "arrangement of parts," also "the frame or character of an organization." By late 17c. it was used in the broadest sense of "anything put together;" it is attested from 1746 in reference to literary works, by 1961 in linguistics.ETD structure (n.).4

strudel (n.)

kind of Austrian pastry, 1883, American English (by 1850s in German newspapers published in U.S.), from German Strudel, literally "eddy, whirlpool," from Old High German stredan "to bubble, boil, whirl, eddy," which is held to be ultimately from the PIE root *ser- "to flow" (see serum).ETD strudel (n.).2

struggle (n.)

1690s, "violent effort, strenuous or strained exertion," from struggle (v.). As a verbal noun in the same sense, struggling is attested from late 14c. (strogeling).ETD struggle (n.).2

struggle (v.)

late 14c., strogelen, "wrestle, grapple, contend physically," a word of obscure origin, probably a frequentative form with -el (3) (compare trample, wrestle), but the first element is uncertain.ETD struggle (v.).2

According to OED, Skeat suggests Old Norse strugr "ill will," while others suggest a connection to Dutch struikelen, German straucheln "to stumble."ETD struggle (v.).3

Middle English Compendium compares stroublen "disturb (someone), trouble, disquiet" (late 14c., short for distroublen, from Old French destroubler). Middle English tended to clip down such words to str-, as in stroublance, strublance (late 14c., from obsolete distroublance); stroy (c. 1200 from destroy), stroyer (c. 1300); sturb (early 13c., disturb); sturbance (mid-15c.).ETD struggle (v.).4

Struggle is attested by early 15c. as "argue, debate." The sense gradually extended to "put forth effort, strive strenuously." Related: Struggled; struggling.ETD struggle (v.).5

Struldbrug (n.)

"person who never dies but becomes senile and useless," 1726, from "Gulliver's Travels;" a made-up word. Capitalized or not ad lib; those who regularly omit the -d- have Horace Walpole for company. Related: Struldbruggian.ETD Struldbrug (n.).2

strum (v.)

1775, "play unskillfully on a stringed musical instrument," possibly imitative of the sound of running the fingers across the strings of a musical instrument. Originally pejorative, it gradually came also to refer to casual or careless, but not unpleasant, playing on a guitar, etc. Related: Strummed; strumming. As a noun from 1793, "the act or an action of strumming."ETD strum (v.).2

strumpet (n.)

"harlot, prostitute, concubine; bold, lascivious woman," mid-14c., a word of uncertain origin.ETD strumpet (n.).2

One theory connects it with Latin stuprata, fem. past participle of stuprare "have illicit sexual relations with," or Late Latin strupum "dishonor, violation," and compares Medieval Latin strupum "concubinage," Old French stuprer "to violate."ETD strumpet (n.).3

Others suggest Middle Dutch strompe "a stocking," or strompen "to stride, to stalk" (as a prostitute might a customer). Weekley notes "Gregory's Chronicle (c. 1450) has streppett in same sense."ETD strumpet (n.).4

In 18c.-early 19c., often colloquially abbreviated strum, which also was used as a verb:ETD strumpet (n.).5

Related: Strumpetry; strumpethood. Gabriel Harvey still has strumperye (Middle English strumperi, late 15c.), probably a shortening of strumpetry.ETD strumpet (n.).6

strung

past tense and past participle of string (v.). From 1680s as an adjective, "threaded, put on a string;" by 1690s as "furnished or fitted with a string." In reference to nerves, feelings, etc., "in a state of tension," from 1840, as in high-strung.ETD strung.2

Strung out is from 1902 as "spread out in a straggling line." The slang meaning "addicted" is recorded from 1959, from the figurative sense.ETD strung.3

strut (v.)

"walk in a vain, important manner, walk with affected dignity," 1510s, from Middle English strouten "display one's clothes proudly, vainly flaunt fine attire" (late 14c.), earlier "to stick out, protrude, bulge, swell," from Old English strutian "to stand out stiffly, swell or bulge out," from Proto-Germanic *strut- (source also of Danish strutte, German strotzen "to be puffed up, be swelled," archaic German Strauß "a fight"), from PIE root *ster- (1) "stiff." Related: Strutted; strutting.ETD strut (v.).2

Colloquial strut (one's) stuff "show off" is recorded by 1926, probably influenced by strut as the name of a dance that was popular from c. 1900.ETD strut (v.).3

strut (n.1)

"supporting brace," 1580s, perhaps from strut (v.), or a cognate word in Scandinavian (compare Norwegian strut "a spout, nozzle") or Low German (compare Low German strutt "rigid"); ultimately from Proto-Germanic *strutoz-, from the source of strut (v.).ETD strut (n.1).2

strut (n.2)

"vain and affectedly dignified manner of walking," c. 1600, from strut (v.).ETD strut (n.2).2

Middle English had strout (n.) "strife, contention, dispute" (c. 1200 as a surname), later "proud display of clothes" (c. 1300), perhaps from an unrecorded Old English *strut, from the source of the verb.ETD strut (n.2).3

struthious (adj.)

"of the ostrich, ostrich-like," 1773, from Latin struthio "ostrich," from Greek strouthion (see ostrich) + -ous. Related: Struthiously; struthian. Koestler (1963) introduced struthionian in reference to a person tending to ignore unwelcome facts, or the image of hiding one's head in the sand.ETD struthious (adj.).2

Struwwelpeter (n.)

German, the name of a character in the children's book by Heinrich Hoffman (1809-1894). There was an English edition by 1848. The name sometimes was Englished as Slovenly Peter. References to him in English largely focus on his unruly head of hair.ETD Struwwelpeter (n.).2

strychnine (n.)

powerful poisonous vegetable alkaloid, 1819, from French strychnine, from Modern Latin Strychnos, the genus name of the plant (nux vomica) from which the poison is obtained, from Greek strykhnon, a plant name, a kind of nightshade, a word of uncertain origin. The chemical was discovered 1818 by Pelletier and Caventou in the Asian tree Strychnos ignatii. Related: Strychnic.ETD strychnine (n.).2

Stuart

name of the British royal family from 1603 to 1668, a variant of Stewart; see steward. Attested from 1873 as an attribution for styles from that period.ETD Stuart.2

stub (n.)

Middle English stubbe, from Old English stybb, stubb, stobb "stump of a tree," from Proto-Germanic *stubjaz (source also of Middle Dutch stubbe, Old Norse stubbr), from PIE root *(s)teu- (1) "to push, stick, knock, beat" (see steep (adj.)).ETD stub (n.).2

Extended generally from 14c. to short, thick, protruding things. The meaning "remaining part of something partially consumed" is from 1520s. As "counterfoil of a check," by 1876, American English.ETD stub (n.).3

stub (v.)

mid-15c. (implied in stubbing), "dig up stumps, dig up by the roots," from stub (n.).ETD stub (v.).2

The sense of "strike (one's toe or foot) against" something projecting from a surface is by 1848, American English. The meaning "extinguish a cigarette" is from 1927. Related: Stubbed.ETD stub (v.).3

stubby (adj.)

"short, stiff, and thick," 1570s, originally especially of roots, from stub (n.) + -y (2); in reference to persons or body parts (fingers) from 1831. As a noun in Australian slang, "a short, squat beer bottle," by 1957.ETD stubby (adj.).2

stubble (n.)

c. 1300, stuble, "stump of grain stalk left in the ground after reaping," from Old French estuble, estoble "stubble" (Anglo-French estuble, stuple; Modern French éteule), from Medieval Latin stubula, Vulgar Latin *stupla, variant and reduced forms of Latin stipula "stalk, straw" (see stipule).ETD stubble (n.).2

As a collective noun by mid-14c. Probably reinforced in English by stub (n.). Transferred to bristles on a man's unshaven face by 1590s. Stubble-jumper as a contemptuous term for a prairie farmer is by 1946.ETD stubble (n.).3

stubbly (adj.)

"covered with stubble," c. 1600, from stubble (n.) + -y (2). Related: Stubbliness. Stubbled in the same sense is from 172o.ETD stubbly (adj.).2

stubborn (adj.)

late 14c., "obstinate, refractory," a word of persistently difficult etymology. First in literary use out of the mouth of Chaucer's Dame Alice:ETD stubborn (adj.).2

But a Simon Stubourne turns up in a Bedfordshire lay subsidy roll from 1332. OED and Liberman doubt any connection with stub (n.). By 1510s as "difficult of treatment or management" (infections, etc.). Related: Stubbornly; stubbornness.ETD stubborn (adj.).3

The exact expression facts are stubborn things is in "The Political State" of November 1717.ETD stubborn (adj.).4

stucco (n.)

1590s, in reference to a fine plaster used as a wall coating, from Italian stucco, which probably is from a Germanic source (compare Old Saxon stukki, Old English stycce "a piece," Old High German stukki "crust, piece, fragment," German Stück "a piece, patch"); see stock (n.1)).ETD stucco (n.).2

From 18c. in reference to a coarser plaster used mainly for rough work and exteriors. The verb, "apply stucco to, cover with stucco" is attested from 1726.ETD stucco (n.).3

Related: Stuccoed; stuccoing. Stuccador for "worker in stucco" is by 1952; Sir Walter Scott did with stuccoer (1818).ETD stucco (n.).4

stuck (adj.)

"unable to go any farther," 1885, past-participle adjective from stick (v.). To be stuck on "greatly enamored with" is by 1886. Stuckness "condition of being unable to make progress" is by 1969 in psychology.ETD stuck (adj.).2

stuck-up (adj.)

"offensively conceited, assuming an unjustified air of superiority," colloquial, 1829 (in reference to the Elgin Marbles); see stuck + up (adv.). Related: Stuckuppishness," etc.ETD stuck-up (adj.).2