Stew /(?)/

1. A small pond or pool where fish are kept for the table; a vivarium. [Obs. or Prov. Eng.]
2. An artificial bed of oysters. [Local, U.S.]

imp. & p. p. Stewed; p. pr. & vb. n. Stewing

1. To boil slowly, or with the simmering or moderate heat; to seethe; to cook in a little liquid, over a gentle fire, without boiling; as, to stew meat; to stew oysters; to stew apples.

1. To be seethed or cooked in a slow, gentle manner, or in heat and moisture.

1. A place of stewing or seething; a place where hot bathes are furnished; a hothouse. [Obs.]

   As burning Aetna from his boiling stew Doth belch out flames.

   The Lydians were inhibited by Cyrus to use any armor, and give themselves to baths and stews.

2. A brothel; -- usually in the plural.

   There be that hate harlots, and never were at the stews.

3. A prostitute. [Obs.]
4. A dish prepared by stewing; as, a stewof pigeons.
5. A state of agitating excitement; a state of worry; confusion; as, to be in a stew. [Colloq.]