v. U.S. nonce-wd. [f. sta boy (also stu boy, stub-boy), an exclamation addressed to hounds (Amer. Dial. Notes, 1900–4, II. 347–8); cf. hist-a-boy, HIST int. 2.] trans. To urge on (hounds) with the cry ‘sta boy.’
1831. Vermont Intelligencer, 11 April, 4/2. I & CuffyGrin hab been scoldin dis long time fear tudder would be biges, and some udder gemmen had sed staboy! cause da new dat it would make us unpopilar.
[1848. Lowell, Biglow P., Ser. I. Pious Editor’s Creed. As … feeder of certain theologic dogmas, which, when occasion offers, he unkennels with a staboy.]
1850. Lowell, Unhappy Lot Mr. Knott, 60. Like dogs let loose upon a bear, Ten emulous styles staboyed with care, The whole among them seemed to tear.
