STAB, v.t. [This word contains the elements, and is probably from the primary sense, of the L., to point or prick, and a multitude of others in many languages. The radical sense is to thrust; but I know not to what oriental roots they are allied.]
1. To pierce with a pointed weapon; as, to be stabbed by a dagger or a spear; to stab fish or eels.
2. To wound mischievously or mortally; to kill by the thrust of a pointed instrument.
3. To injure secretly or by malicious falsehood or slander; as, to stab reputation.
STAB, v.i.
1. To give a wound with a pointed weapon.
None shall dare with shortend sword to stab in closer war.
2. To give a mortal wound.
He speaks poniards, and every word stabs.
To stab at, to offer a stab; to thrust a pointed weapon at.
STAB, n.
1. The thrust of a pointed weapon.
2. A wound with a sharp pointed weapon; as, to fall by the stab of an assassin.
3. An injury given in the dark; a sly mischief; as a stab given to character.
