verb. (American).—To press onwards regardless of everything: generic for vigorous action. Hence STAVING = (1) dashing, active, and (2) great, strong, &c.—a general intensive. STAVER = anybody or anything exceptionally active, brilliant, or dashing; a ROUSER (q.v.). Also TO RIP (q.v.) AND STAVE.
1842. CAROLINE M. KIRKLAND, Forest Life, I. xiv. Hilloa! Steve! where are you STAVIN’ to? If you’re for Wellington, scale up here and I’ll give ye a ride.
1848. The American Review, June, 580. A president of one of our colleges once said to a graduate at parting:—“My son,… I want to advise you: Never oppose public opinion. The great world will STAVE right on!”
c. 1850. Cincinnati Times [BARTLETT]. A STAVING dram put him in better humor. Strange what arguments some people require.
1869. H. B. STOWE, Oldtown Folks, x. Miss Asphyxia’s reputation in the region was perfectly established. She was spoken of with applause under such titles as ‘a STAVER,’ ‘a pealer,’ ‘a roarer to work.’
1889. J. T. MCKAY, Roby’s Christian Charity, in The Century Magazine, xxxviii. May, 41. He … went STAVING down the street as if afraid to look behind him.
