stagger

/ˈsta-gər/

alteration of earlier stacker, from Middle English stakeren, from Old Norse stakra, frequentative of staka to push; perhaps akin to Old English staca stake

verb

  1. to reel from side to side : totter

  2. to move on unsteadily

  3. to waver in purpose or action : hesitate

staggered toward the door

noun

  1. an abnormal condition of domestic animals associated with damage to the central nervous system and marked by incoordination and a reeling unsteady gait

  2. a reeling or unsteady gait or stance

  3. an arrangement in which the leading edge of the upper wing of a biplane is advanced over that of the lower

adjective

  1. marked by an alternating or overlapping pattern