*stole*

‖n. [ L., fr. Gr. &unr_;, fr. &unr_; to put asunder, to separate; dia` through + &unr_; to set, to place. ] 1. (Physiol.) The rhythmical expansion or dilatation of the heart and arteries; -- correlative to systole, or contraction. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Gram.) A figure by which a syllable naturally short is made long. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. One who writes epistles; a correspondent. Mary Cowden Clarke. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. (Eccl.) One of the clergy who reads the epistle at the communion service; an epistler. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. A little epistle. Lamb.

n. [ Obs. ] See Fridstol. Fuller. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. (Physiol.) Contraction of only one ventricle of the heart. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ Hemisystole is noticed in rare cases of insufficiency of the mitral valve, in which both ventricles at times contract simultaneously, as in a normal heart, this condition alternating with contraction of the right ventricle alone; hence, intermittent hemisystole. [ 1913 Webster ]

‖n. (Physiol.) The almost inappreciable time which elapses between the systole and the diastole of the heart. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ NL.: cf. F. péristole. See Peristaltic. ] (Physiol.) Peristaltic action, especially of the intestines. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Pref. peri- + systole: cf. F. périsystole. ] (Physiol.) The interval between the diastole and systole of the heart. It is perceptible only in the dying. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ F., probably a name given in jest in France to a Spanish coin. Cf. Pistol. ] The name of certain gold coins of various values formerly coined in some countries of Europe. In Spain it was equivalent to a quarter doubloon, or about $3.90, and in Germany and Italy nearly the same. There was an old Italian pistole worth about $5.40. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Cf. F. pistolier. ] One who uses a pistol. [ R. ] Carlyle. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ F., a dim. of pistole. ] A small pistol. Donne. Beau. & Fl. [ 1913 Webster ]

[ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. stolo, -onis. ] (Bot.) A stolon. [ 1913 Webster ]

imp. of Steal. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ AS. stole, L. stola, Gr. &unr_; a stole, garment, equipment, fr. &unr_; to set, place, equip, send, akin to E. stall. See Stall. ] 1. A long, loose garment reaching to the feet. Spenser. [ 1913 Webster ]

But when mild morn, in saffron stole,
First issues from her eastern goal. T. Warton. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Eccl.) A narrow band of silk or stuff, sometimes enriched with embroidery and jewels, worn on the left shoulder of deacons, and across both shoulders of bishops and priests, pendent on each side nearly to the ground. At Mass, it is worn crossed on the breast by priests. It is used in various sacred functions. [ 1913 Webster ]

Groom of the stole, the first lord of the bedchamber in the royal household. [ Eng. ] Brande & C. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Having or wearing a stole. [ 1913 Webster ]

After them flew the prophets, brightly stoled
In shining lawn. G. Fletcher. [ 1913 Webster ]

p. p. of Steal. [ 1913 Webster ]