STATISTICS. According to the author of a late work, statistics are that comprehensive part of municipal philosophy, which states and defines the situation, strength, and resources of a nation. They constitute a kind of political abstract, by which the statesman may be enabled to calculate his finances, as well as guide the economy of his government; and they are equally useful in ascertaining the military resources of a country.
STAVES, round and flat, used in ammunition and other waggons or carts, are round and flat sticks between the sommers and side-pieces, also in common and scaling ladders.
STAYS, in truck carriages, are the irons which are fixed one end under the fore axle-tree, and the other to the side-pieces, in the form of an S.
STEED. A horse either for state or war.
STEEL, particularly applied, it means weapon or armor.
STEGANOGRAPHY, the art of secret writing, or of writing in cyphers, known only to persons corresponding, and much used in war.
STENOGRAPHY, (Sténographie, Fr.) See [Stereography].
STEP, (Pas, Fr.) Progression by one removal of the foot. It likewise signifies pace.
To STEP. To move forward or backward, by a single change of the place of the foot.
To STEP out. To lengthen your pace.