Obs. exc. Hist. [f. STAPLE sb.2]
1. trans. To receive (export goods) at a staple; to cause to be weighed, inspected and sealed in accordance with the regulations of the staple.
1472–3. Rolls of Parlt., VI. 59/2. That all the Wolles … be shipt and conveyed to the said Staple at Caleys and there to be stapled.
1601. J. Wheeler, Treat. Comm., 14. The Company settled themselues in the Towne of Bridges, and stapled their commodities there.
2. intr. To establish a staple.
1580. Hakluyt, Voy. (1599), I. 437. It were good that we did seeke out some small Island … where we might plant, fortifie, and staple safely, from whence … wee might feed those heathen nations with our commodities.
Hence Stapling vbl. sb. (in quot. attrib.).
1908. Atton & Holland, King’s Customs, 26. To gain possession of the stapling privilege.
