stall

The term stall has multiple meanings across different domains. Common uses include a market or fair stall, a stall in a church or theater (a church stall is a seating unit), and a stall as a small enclosure for animals. It can also function as a verb meaning to delay or hinder.

Market stall: A market stall is a small, often temporary, area where a vendor displays and sells goods. Stalls may be permanent features of markets or set up for fairs, with a counter, display shelves, and sometimes a canopy.

Animal housing: In agriculture, a stall refers to an individual enclosure for an animal, such as a horse stall or cattle stall. These spaces provide shelter, feeding, water, and bedding, and are designed to control movement and manure.

Mechanical and aviation terms: In engines, an engine stall occurs when speed cannot be maintained due to insufficient air or fuel, causing the engine to stop or run irregularly. In aviation, an aerodynamic stall happens when the wing exceeds a critical angle of attack, reducing lift and potentially causing a loss of control.

Restrooms and seating: A bathroom stall is a cubicle with a toilet within a restroom. In churches and theatres, stalls are the individual seating units or, in older usage, seating compartments.

Verb usage: As a verb, stall means to delay actions or progress, sometimes to gain time or avoid decisions.