stage

STAGE, n. [G.] Properly, one step or degree of elevation, and what the French call etage, we call a story. Hence,

1. A floor or platform of any kind elevated above the ground or common surface, as for an exhibition of something to pubic view; as a stage for a mountebank; a stage for speakers in public; a stage for mechanics. Seamen use floating stages, and stages suspended by the side of a ship, for calking and repairing.

2. The floor on which theatrical performances are exhibited, as distinct from the pit, &c. Hence,

3. The theater; the place of scenic entertainments.

Knights, squires and steeds must enter on the stage.

4. Theatrical representations. It is contended that the stage is a school or morality. Let it be inquired, where is the person whom the stage has reformed?

5. A place where any thing is publicly exhibited.

When we are born, we cry that we are come to this great stage of fools.

6. Place of action or performance; as the stage of life.

7. A place of rest on a journey, or where a relay of horses is taken. When we arrive at the next stage, we will take some refreshment. Hence,

8. The distance between two places of rest on a road; as a stage of fifteen miles.

9. A single step; degree of advance; degree of progression, either in increase or decrease, in rising or falling, or in any change of state; as the several stages of a war; the stages of civilization or improvement; stages of growth in an animal or plant; stages of a disease, of decline or recovery; the several stages of human life.

10. [instead of stage-coach, or stage-wagon.] A coach or other carriage running regularly from one place to another for the conveyance of passengers.

I went in the six-penny stage.

A parcel sent by the stage. American usage.

STAGE, v.t. To exhibit publicly. [Not in use.]