Stab (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Stabbed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Stabbing.] [Cf. OD. staven to fix, fasten, fr. stave, staff, a staff, rod; akin to G. stab a staff, stick, E. staff; also Gael. stob to stab, as n., a stake, a stub. Cf. Staff.]
1.
To pierce with a pointed weapon; to wound or kill by the thrust of a pointed instrument; as, to stab a man with a dagger; also, to thrust; as, to stab a dagger into a person.
2.
Fig.: To injure secretly or by malicious falsehood or slander; as, to stab a person's reputation.
© Webster 1913.
Stab, v. i.
1.
To give a wound with a pointed weapon; to pierce; to thrust with a pointed weapon.
None shall dare
With shortened sword to stab in closer war.
Dryden.
2.
To wound or pain, as if with a pointed weapon.
She speaks poniards, and every word stabs.
Shak.
To stab at, to offer or threaten to stab; to thrust a pointed weapon at.
© Webster 1913.
Stab, n.
1.
The thrust of a pointed weapon.
2.
A wound with a sharp-pointed weapon; as, to fall by the stab an assassin.
Shak.
3.
Fig.: An injury inflicted covertly or suddenly; as, a stab given to character.
© Webster 1913.