steady

Etymology

From stead + -y, calquing Middle Low German or Middle Dutch stēdig. Cognate with West Frisian stadich (“slow”), Danish stedig, stadig, steeg, Swedish stadig, Icelandic stöðugur, German stätig, stetig.

adj

1. Firm in standing or position; not tottering or shaking; fixed; firm.
   Hold the ladder steady while I go up.
2. Constant in feeling, purpose, or pursuit; not fickle, changeable, or wavering; not easily moved or persuaded to alter a purpose; resolute.
   a man steady in his principles, in his purpose, or in the pursuit of an object
   During programmed changes, no steady green signal indication or flashing yellow signal indication shall be terminated and immediately followed by a steady red or flashing red signal indication without first displaying the steady yellow signal […] 2003, Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices: Inserts Only, page 10
3. Smooth and not bumpy or with obstructions.
   a steady ride
4. Regular and even.
   the steady course of the Sun;  a steady breeze of wind
5. Slow.

verb

1. (transitive, sometimes figurative) To stabilize; to prevent from shaking.
   I took a drink to steady my nerves.
2. (intransitive) To become stable.
   The ship steadied in the air. Another spray of ballast came, heavier than the last. 2010, Scott Westerfeld, Leviathan

noun

1. A rest or support, as for the hand, a tool, or a piece of work.
2. (informal) A regular boyfriend or girlfriend.
   “Dalton is my steady, now. If I break up with him, you're the first on the list.” “Thanks,” said Ted. “What a privilege to be second choice.” 2002, Frederick E. Von Burg, Keep My White Sneakers, Kit Carson, iUniverse, page 13
3. (informal) A prostitute's regular customer.
   Some of my steadies wanted me to go out with them on a date. Occasionally I let one of them take me to a film or out for a meal. 2013, Sheila Foster, Soho Whore

adv

1. (rowing, informal) To row with pressure at a low stroke-rating, often 18 strokes per minute.
   After the sprint pieces, we rowed steady for the rest of practice.