stud

I. noun Usage: often attributive Etymology: Middle English stod, from Old English stōd; akin to Old Church Slavic stado flock and probably to Old High German stān to stand — more at stand Date: before 12th century 1. a. a group of animals and especially horses kept primarily for breeding b. a place (as a farm) where a stud is kept 2. studhorse; broadly a male animal kept for breeding 3. a. a young man ; guy; especially one who is virile and promiscuous b. a tough person c. hunk 2 II. noun Etymology: Middle English stode, from Old English studu; akin to Middle High German stud prop, Old Norse stoth post Date: before 12th century 1. a. one of the smaller uprights in the framing of the walls of a building to which sheathing, paneling, or laths are fastened ; scantling b. height from floor to ceiling 2. a. a boss, rivet, or nail with a large head used (as on a shield or belt) for ornament or protection b. a solid button with a shank or eye on the back inserted (as through an eyelet in a garment) as a fastener or ornament c. a small button-like ornament with a post for inserting through a body part (as the earlobe or nostril) and into a clasp 3. a. any of various infixed pieces (as a rod or pin) projecting from a machine and serving chiefly as a support or axis b. one of the metal or rubber cleats projecting from a snow tire to increase traction III. transitive verb (studded; studding) Date: circa 1506 1. to furnish (as a building or wall) with studs 2. to adorn, cover, or protect with studs 3. to set, mark, or decorate conspicuously often at intervals <

a sky studded with stars

> <

a career studded with honors

> IV. abbreviation student