Stare

Stare, v. i. [imp. & p. p. stared (?); p. pr. & vb. n. staring.] [AS. starian; akin to LG. & D. staren, OHG. starēn, G. starren, Icel. stara; cf. Icel. stira, Dan. stirre, Sw. stirra, and G. starr stiff, rigid, fixed, Gr. ? solid (E. stereo-), Skr. sthira firm, strong. √166. Cf. Sterile.] 1. To look with fixed eyes wide open, as through fear, wonder, surprise, impudence, etc.; to fasten an earnest and prolonged gaze on some object.

For ever upon the ground I see thee stare.
Chaucer.

Look not big, nor stamp, nor stare, nor fret.
Shak.

2. To be very conspicuous on account of size, prominence, color, or brilliancy; as, staring windows or colors.

3. To stand out; to project; to bristle. [Obs.]

Makest my blood cold, and my hair to stare.
Shak.

Take off all the staring straws and jags in the hive.
Mortimer.

Syn. -- To gaze; to look earnestly. See Gaze.

Stare (?), v. t. To look earnestly at; to gaze at.

I will stare him out of his wits.
Shak.

To stare in the face, to be before the eyes, or to be undeniably evident. "The law . . . stares them in the face whilst they are breaking it." Locke.

Stare, n. The act of staring; a fixed look with eyes wide open. "A dull and stupid stare." Churchill.

Stare (?), n. [AS. stær. See Starling.] (Zoöl.) The starling. [Obs.]