Stag″ger (–gẽr), v. i. [imp. & p. p.Staggered (–gẽrd); p. pr. & vb. n.Staggering.] [OE. stakeren, Icel. stakra to push, to stagger, fr. staka to punt, push, stagger; cf. OD. staggeren to stagger. Cf. Stake, n.] 1. To move to one side and the other, as if about to fall, in standing or walking; not to stand or walk with steadiness; to sway; to reel or totter.
Deep was the wound; he staggered with the blow. Dryden.
2. To cease to stand firm; to begin to give way; to fail. “The enemy staggers.” Addison.
3. To begin to doubt and waver in purpose; to become less confident or determined; to hesitate.
He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief. Rom. iv. 20.