Английский Этимологический словарь - stay (1)

- "to remain," 1440, from M.Fr. estai-, stem of ester "to stay or stand," from O.Fr., from L. stare "to stand." Originally "come to a halt;" sense of "remain" is first recorded 1570s. Noun senses of "appliance for stopping," "period of remaining in a place," and (judicial) "suspension of proceeding" all developed 1525-1550. Stay-at-home is from 1806. Stay put is first recorded 1843.