Part 756

A rare stateswoman; I admire her bearing.

B. Jonson.

Stath"mo*graph (?), n. [Gr. &?; a measuring line + -graph.] A contrivance for recording the speed of a railway train. Knight.

{ Stat"ic (?), Stat"ic*al (?), } a. [Gr. &?; causing to stand, skilled in weighing, fr. &?; to cause to stand: cf. F. statique. See Stand, and cf. Stage.] 1. Resting; acting by mere weight without motion; as, statical pressure; static objects.

2. Pertaining to bodies at rest or in equilibrium.

Statical electricity. See Note under Electricity, 1. -- Statical moment. See under Moment.

Stat"ic*al*ly, adv. In a statical manner.

Stat"ics (?), n. [Cf. F. statique, Gr. &?; the art of weighing, fr. &?;. See Static.] That branch of mechanics which treats of the equilibrium of forces, or relates to bodies as held at rest by the forces acting on them; -- distinguished from dynamics.

Social statics, the study of the conditions which concern the existence and permanence of the social state.

Stat"ing (?), n. The act of one who states anything; statement; as, the statingof one's opinions.

Sta"tion (?), n. [F., fr. L. statio, from stare, statum, to stand. See Stand.] 1. The act of standing; also, attitude or pose in standing; posture. [R.]

A station like the herald, Mercury.

Shak.

Their manner was to stand at prayer, whereupon their meetings unto that purpose . . . had the names of stations given them.

Hooker.

2. A state of standing or rest; equilibrium. [Obs.]

All progression is performed by drawing on or impelling forward some part which was before in station, or at quiet.

Sir T. Browne.

3. The spot or place where anything stands, especially where a person or thing habitually stands, or is appointed to remain for a time; as, the station of a sentinel. Specifically: (a) A regular stopping place in a stage road or route; a place where railroad trains regularly come to a stand, for the convenience of passengers, taking in fuel, moving freight, etc. (b) The headquarters of the police force of any precinct. (c) The place at which an instrument is planted, or observations are made, as in surveying. (d) (Biol.) The particular place, or kind of situation, in which a species naturally occurs; a habitat. (e) (Naut.) A place to which ships may resort, and where they may anchor safely. (f) A place or region to which a government ship or fleet is assigned for duty. (g) (Mil.) A place calculated for the rendezvous of troops, or for the distribution of them; also, a spot well adapted for offensive measures. Wilhelm (Mil. Dict.). (h) (Mining) An enlargement in a shaft or galley, used as a landing, or passing place, or for the accomodation of a pump, tank, etc.

4. Post assigned; office; the part or department of public duty which a person is appointed to perform; sphere of duty or occupation; employment.

By spending this day [Sunday] in religious exercises, we acquire new strength and resolution to perform God's will in our several stations the week following.

R. Nelson.

5. Situation; position; location.

The fig and date -- why love they to remain In middle station, and an even plain?

Prior.

6. State; rank; condition of life; social status.

The greater part have kept, I see, Their station.

Milton.