north. [f. STAVE v.1]
1. A crushing blow, a heavy stroke.
1819. [Rennie], St. Patrick, I. xv. 220. Our bit curraghs no that rackle sin it got a stave on the Partan-rock.
1867. [J. P. Morris], T Lebby Beck Dobby, 5 (E.D.D.). Troof fair rang again wi sic like staves as thissan.
2. A sprain. Sc.
1900. Brit. Med. Jrnl., 5 May, 1076/2. The so-called stave of thumb, or Bennetts fracture.