[Prob. a back-formation from STYANY (interpreted as sty-on-eye). But cf. early mod.Du. stijghe (Kilian), WFris. stiich, Norw. stig.] An inflammatory swelling on the eyelid.

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1617.  Fletcher, Mad Lover, V. i. Fool. I have a Stye here, Chilax. Chi. I have no Gold to cure it.

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a. 1667.  Skinner, Etymol. Ling. Angl., A Sty; (i. e.) Tumor Palpebræ Phlegmonodes.

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1712.  trans. Pomet’s Hist. Drugs, I. 191. It cures the Sty in the Eye-Lids.

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1823.  E. Moor, Suffolk Words, Sty—or Styney, a troublesome little excresence or pimple on the eye-lid.

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1835.  Marryat, J. Faithful, xvi. I hope your lordship’s sty is better in your lordship’s eye.

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1902.  W. W. Jacobs, At Sunwich Port, v. 44. You’ve got a sty coming on your eye.

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