steɪdʒ n. & v. --n. 1 a
point or
period in a process or
development (reached a
critical stage; is in
the larval stage). 2 a a raised
floor or
platform,
esp.
one on
which plays etc. are performed
before an
audience. b (prec. by the) the
acting or
theatrical profession,
dramatic art or
literature, the
drama. c the
scene of
action (the stage of politics). d = landing-stage. 3 a a
regular stopping-place on a
route. b the
distance between two stopping-places. c
Brit. = fare-stage. 4
Astronaut. a
section of a rocket
with a
separate engine, jettisoned
when its propellant is exhausted. 5 Geol. a
range of
strata forming a
subdivision of a
series. 6
Electronics a
single amplifying
transistor or
valve with the associated
equipment. 7 the
surface on which an
object is placed
for inspection
through a
microscope. --v.tr. 1 present (a
play etc.) on stage. 2
arrange the
occurrence of (staged a
demonstration; staged a comeback). øgo on the stage
become an
actor. hold the stage
dominate a
conversation etc. stage
direction an
instruction in the
text of a play as to the
movement,
position,
tone,
etc., of an actor, or
sound effects etc. stage
door an actors'
and workmen's entrance
from the
street to a
theatre behind the stage. stage
effect 1 an effect produced in acting or on the stage. 2 an
artificial or theatrical effect produced in real
life. stage
fright nervousness on
facing an audience esp. for the
first time. stage-hand a
person handling
scenery etc.
during a
performance on stage. stage left (or right) on the left (or right)
side of the stage, facing the audience. stage-manage 1 be the stage-manager
of. 2 arrange and
control for effect. stage-management the job or
craft of a stage-manager. stage-manager the person
responsible for
lighting and
other mechanical arrangements for a play etc. stage
name a name assumed for
professional purposes by an actor. stage play a play performed on stage
rather than broadcast etc. stage rights
exclusive rights to
perform a
particular play. stage-struck filled with an
inordinate desire to go on the stage. stage
whisper 1 an
aside. 2 a
loud whisper
meant to be heard by others than the person addressed. øøstageable adj. stageability n. stager n. [ME f. OF estage
dwelling ult. f. L
stare stand]