Stole (?), imp. of
Steal.
Stole, n. [AS. stole, L.
stola, Gr. ? a stole, garment, equipment, fr. ? to set,
place, equip, send, akin to E. stall. See Stall.]
1. A long, loose garment reaching to the
feet. Spenser.
But when mild morn, in saffron stole,
First issues from her eastern goal.
T. Warton.
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.
Groom of the stole, the first lord of the
bedchamber in the royal household. [Eng.] Brande & C.
Stole, n. [L. stolo, -
onis.] (Bot.) A stolon.