Dictionary
Words, grammatical forms and meanings linked to the ontology.
stock-still en · ADJ
Pronunciation
Etymology
Inversion of earlier still as a stock, from stock (“tree-trunk”).
Meanings
-
(not-comparable) Very still; motionless.
The team was stock-still in front of the stable.
Forms
Synonyms
stock-still · sedent · unmoving · at rest · dull · lifeless · unmoving · still · stationary · torpid · motionless · unmoved · sedentary · impassive · inanimate · at rest
stock-still en · ADV
Pronunciation
Etymology
Inversion of earlier still as a stock, from stock (“tree-trunk”).
Meanings
-
(idiomatic, not-comparable) Without motion.
He lay stock-still among the bodies and blasted equipment.
Now his fingertips were tapping in addition to his toe-bouncing, until soon his entire body was wibbling in jumping-bean fashion. “Old Mag, you say?” He peered around Nitty at Mag, and Mag took the opportunity to inspect his mask and goggles with her trunk. The boy quit wibbling, stood stock-still, and gulped.
2019 June, Suzanne Nelson, A Tale Magnolious, New York, NY: Alfred A. Knopf, →ISBN, page 36:Paul stood stock still; then came a strong impulse to turn and run back.
1897, Sam T. Clover, Paul Travers' Adventures:
Forms