Stead″y (–y̆), a. [Compar.Steadier (–ĭ‐ẽr); superl.Steadiest.] [Cf. AS. stedig sterile, barren, stæððig, steady (in gestæððig), D. stedig, stadig, steeg, G. stätig, stetig. See Stead, n.] 1. Firm in standing or position; not tottering or shaking; fixed; firm. “The softest, steadiest plume.” Keble.
Their feet steady, their hands diligent, their eyes watchful, and their hearts resolute. Sir P. Sidney.
2. Constant in feeling, purpose, or pursuit; not fickle, changeable, or wavering; not easily moved or persuaded to alter a purpose; resolute; as, a man steady in his principles, in his purpose, or in the pursuit of an object.
3. Regular; constant; undeviating; uniform; as, the steady course of the sun; a steady breeze of wind.
Syn. — Fixed; regular; uniform; undeviating; invariable; unremitted; stable.
Steady rest(Mach.), a rest in a turning lathe, to keep a long piece of work from trembling.