subs. phr. (colloquial).—Polarity; a holding off. As adj. = distant, reserved; also STAND-OFFISH and STAND-OFFISHNESS.
1873. F. W. ROBINSON, Her Face Was Her Fortune, I. v. If the ‘landed gentry’ were ‘STAND-OFFISH,’… Miss Shaldon’s acquaintance, that young lady was all the more grateful for their reserve.
1888. M. A. WARD, Robert Elsmere, i. 2. People generally like the other two much better. Catherine is so STAND-OFF.
1888. D. C. MURRAY, The Weaker Vessel, xxxii. I told him I did not like this pride and STAND-OFFISHNESS between man and man.
1890. W. B. HILL, Relief of Suitors in Federal Courts, in The Atlantic Magazine, lxvi. Nov., 672. The preferences of other clients, perhaps equal in number and value, who are fighting with Fabian tactics, make a complete STAND-OFF.
