Standard Lemma guide

stean

noun · verb · 6 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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  • /stiːn/
  • rhymes with -iːn

1

noun

Meaning 1

A vessel made of clay or stone; a pot of stone or earth.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

A wall of brick, stone, or cement, used as a lining, as of a well, cistern, etc.; a steening.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

noun

Meaning 3

A stone.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: UK, dialectal

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

4

noun

Meaning 4

A large box of stones used for pressing cheese; a cheese-press.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: UK, dialectal

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

5

verb

Meaning 5

To pelt with stones; throw stones at; stone.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

6

verb

Meaning 6

To fit with stones; mend, line, pave, etc. with stones.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • to stean a well

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

From Middle English stene (“waterpot”), from Old English stǣna (“stone jug, a stean, a pot of stone or earth”) and Old English stǣne (“pitcher, jug”), from Proto-West Germanic *stainijā, from Proto-Germanic *stainijǭ (“stonen vessel, crucible”). Cognate with Old High German steinna (“pot, saucepan”). Doublet of stein.

From Middle English stenen, from Old English stǣnan (“to stone, cast stones at; adorn with precious stones”), from Proto-West Germanic *stainijan, from Proto-Germanic *stainijaną (“to adorn with stones”), *stainōną (“to throw stones at”). Cognate with Old High German steinen (“to adorn with stones”), Old High German steinōn (“to throw stones”), Gothic 𐍃𐍄𐌰𐌹𐌽𐌾𐌰𐌽 (stainjan, “to throw stones at”).

Inherited from Northern Middle English stan, stane (“stone”); thus a dialectal form of stone.