To hold out, as in a race or contest; last or persevere to the end.
“That horse stays well.”
To remain in a particular place, especially for a definite or short period of time; sojourn; abide.
“We stayed in Hawaii for a week. I can only stay for an hour.”
noun
A guy, rope, or wire supporting or stabilizing a platform, such as a bridge, a pole, such as a tentpole, the mast of a derrick, or other structural element.
“The engineer insisted on using stays for the scaffolding.”
A strong rope or wire supporting a mast, and leading from one masthead down to some other, or other part of the vessel.