staɪl n. & v. --n. 1 a kind or
sort,
esp. in
regard to
appearance and form (an
elegant style of house). 2 a
manner of
writing or
speaking or performing (written in a
florid style; started
off in fine style). 3
the distinctive manner of a
person or school or
period, esp. in
relation to
painting,
architecture,
furniture,
dress, etc. 4 the
correct way of designating a person or
thing. 5 a a
superior quality or manner (do it in style). b = FORM n. 9 (bad style). 6 a
particular make,
shape, or
pattern (in
all sizes and styles). 7 a
method of
reckoning dates (old style;
new style). 8 a an ancient writing-implement, a
small rod with a
pointed end for scratching letters on wax-covered tablets and a
blunt end for obliterating
them. b a thing of a
similar shape esp. for
engraving,
tracing, etc. 9 the
gnomon of a
sundial. 10
Bot. the
narrow extension of the
ovary supporting the
stigma. 11 (in comb.) =
-WISE. --v.tr. 1
design or make etc. in a particular (esp. fashionable) style. 2
designate in a specified way. øøstyleless adj. stylelessness n. styler n. [ME f. OF stile, style f. L stilus:
spelling style
due to assoc. with Gk stulos column]