STEW (4)

Stew, n. [[OE. stue, stuwe, OF. estuve. See Stew, v. t.]] 1. 1. A place of stewing or seething; a place where hot bathes are furnished; a hothouse.
As burning Ætna from his boiling stew Doth belch out flames. Spenser. The Lydians were inhibited by Cyrus to use any armor, and give themselves to baths and stews. Abp. Abbot. 2. 2. A brothel; — usually in the plural. Bacon. South.
There be that hate harlots, and never were at the stews. Aschman. 3. 3. A prostitute. Sir A. Weldon.
4. 4. A dish prepared by stewing; as, a stewof pigeons.
5. 5. A state of agitating excitement; a state of worry; confusion; as, to be in a stew.