STADE. The Anglo-Saxon stæde, still in use. A station for ships. From stade is derived [staith] (which see).
STAFF. A light pole erected in different parts of a ship, whereon to hoist and display the colours; as, the ensign-staff, reared immediately over the stern; the jack-staff, fixed on the bowsprit-cap. In military affairs, the staff includes all officials not having direct and specific military command, as the adjutant-general, quartermaster-general, majors of brigade, aides-de-camp, &c. This term has been unaccountably pilfered by the admiralty lately from the army, as a prefix to a naval title.
STAFF-CAPTAIN. A designation conferred in 1863 upon masters of the fleet.
STAFF-COMMANDERS. A designation conferred in 1863 on masters of fifteen years' seniority.
STAFF-OFFICER. On the general staff of the army, or of a combined force. See [Staff].
STAG. A name given to a rock that should be watched for, as off the Lizard, Castlehaven, &c.
STAGE. Planks let over the ship's sides by ropes, whereon the people may stand when repairing, &c.—A floating stage is one which does not need the support of ropes.—Stage-gangway (see [Brow]).
STAGER. A resident or practised person. See [Old-stager].
STAGGERING UNDER IT. A ship's labouring under as much canvas as she can bear.
STAGNES. A statute term for pools of standing water.