Stephen (Count), nephew of the count of Crèvecœur.--Sir W. Scott, Quentin Durward (time, Edward IV.).
Stephen (Master), a conceited puppy, who thinks all inferiors are to be snubbed and bullied, and all those weaker and more cowardly than himself are to be kicked and beaten. He is especially struck with Captain Bobadil, and tries to imitate his “dainty oaths.” Master Stephen has no notion of honesty and high-mindedness; thus he steals Downright’s cloak, which had been accidently dropped, declares he bought it, and then that he found it. Being convicted of falsehood, he resigns all claim to it, saying, in a huff, “There, take your cloak; I’ll none on’t.” This small-minded youth is young Kno’well’s cousin.--Ben Jonson, Every Man in his Humor (1598).
Stephen Steelheart, the nickname of Stephen Wetheral.--Sir W. Scott, Ivanhoe (time, Richard I.).
Stephen of Amboise, leader of 5000 foot soldiers from Blois and Tours in the allied Christian army of Godfrey of Bouillon. Impetuous in attack, but deficient in steady resistance. He was shot by Clorinda with an arrow (bk. xi.).--Tasso, Jerusalem Delivered (1575).
Sterling (Mr.), a vulgar, rich City merchant, who wishes to see his two daughters married to titles. Lord Ogleby calls him “a very abstract of ’Change;” and he himself says, “What signifies birth, education, titles, and so forth? Money, I say--money’s the stuff that makes a man great in this country.”
Miss Sterling, whose Christian name is Elizabeth or Betty; a spiteful, jealous, purse-proud damsel, engaged to Sir John Melvil. Sir John, seeing small prospect of happiness with such a tartar, proposed marriage to the younger sister; and Miss Sterling being left out in the cold, exclaimed, “Oh, that some other person, an earl or duke for instance, would propose to me, that I might be revenged on the monsters!”
Miss Fanny Sterling, an amiable, sweet-smiling, soft-speaking beauty, clandestinely married to Lovewell.--Colman and Garrick, The Clandestine Marriage (1766).
Sterry, a fanatical preacher, admired by Hugh Peters.--S. Butler, Hudibras (1663-78).
Stevens, a messenger of the earl of Sussex at Say’s Court.--Sir W. Scott, Kenilworth (time, Elizabeth).
Stewart (Colonel), governor of the castle of Doune.--Sir W. Scott, Waverley (time, George II.).