Stole

/stoʊl/ verb, noun

Definition

Past tense of steal (took something that wasn't yours); or a long piece of cloth worn over shoulders.

Etymology

Two different words: (1) from Old English 'stelan' meaning to steal, and (2) from Latin 'stola,' a long robe worn by Roman women. These merged in English but remain distinct meanings.

Kelly Says

This is a rare word with two completely unrelated meanings that people learn from context—linguists call these 'homographs,' and 'stole' is one of English's most confusing because both meanings are common and historical, creating delightful ambiguity!

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