Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Stable \Sta"ble\, a. [OE. estable, F. stable, fr. L. stabilis,
   fr. stare to stand. See {Stand}, v. i. and cf. {Establish}.]
   1. Firmly established; not easily moved, shaken, or
      overthrown; fixed; as, a stable government.

            In this region of chance, . . . where nothing is
            stable.                               --Rogers.

   2. Steady in purpose; constant; firm in resolution; not
      easily diverted from a purpose; not fickle or wavering;
      as, a man of stable character.

            And to her husband ever meek and stable. --Chaucer.

   3. Durable; not subject to overthrow or change; firm; as, a
      stable foundation; a stable position.

   {Stable equibrium} (Mech.), the kind of equilibrium of a body
      so placed that if disturbed it returns to its former
      position, as in the case when the center of gravity is
      below the point or axis of support; -- opposed to
      {unstable equilibrium}, in which the body if disturbed
      does not tend to return to its former position, but to
      move farther away from it, as in the case of a body
      supported at a point below the center of gravity. Cf.
      {Neutral equilibrium}, under {Neutral}.

   Syn: Fixed; steady; constant; abiding; strong; durable; firm.