Stack

Stack Stack (st[a^]k), n. [Icel. stakkr; akin to Sw. stack, Dan. stak. Cf. {Stake}.] 1. A large and to some degree orderly pile of hay, grain, straw, or the like, usually of a nearly conical form, but sometimes rectangular or oblong, contracted at the top to a point or ridge, and sometimes covered with thatch. [1913 Webster]

But corn was housed, and beans were in the stack. --Cowper. [1913 Webster]

2. Hence: An orderly pile of any type of object, indefinite in quantity; -- used especially of piles of wood. A stack is usually more orderly than a {pile} [1913 Webster +PJC]

Against every pillar was a stack of billets above a man's height. --Bacon. [1913 Webster]

3. Specifically: A pile of wood containing 108 cubic feet. [Eng.] [1913 Webster]

4. Hence: A large quantity; as, a stack of cash. [Informal] [PJC]

5. (Arch.) (a) A number of flues embodied in one structure, rising above the roof. Hence: (b) Any single insulated and prominent structure, or upright pipe, which affords a conduit for smoke; as, the brick smokestack of a factory; the smokestack of a steam vessel. [1913 Webster]

6. (Computer programming) (a) A section of memory in a computer used for temporary storage of data, in which the last datum stored is the first retrieved. (b) A data structure within random-access memory used to simulate a hardware stack; as, a push-down stack. [PJC]

7. pl. The section of a library containing shelves which hold books less frequently requested. [PJC]

{Stack of arms} (Mil.), a number of muskets or rifles set up together, with the bayonets crossing one another, forming a sort of conical self-supporting pile.

{to blow one's stacks} to become very angry and lose one's self-control, and especially to display one's fury by shouting. [1913 Webster +PJC]