Definition

1. Noun:
   • A close-fitting piece of hosiery that covers the foot and leg: A "stocking" is a garment, typically made of nylon, silk, or wool, worn on the foot and leg. They are usually worn in pairs.
   • The activity of supplying or replenishing a stock of something: In commerce or resource management, "stocking" refers to the action of filling or supplying something with items.

Usage and Examples

• Noun (Clothing):
  • She bought a new pair of silk stockings. (This describes the garment.)
  • In winter, I wear thick woolen stockings for warmth. (This shows a common use for the garment.)
• Noun (Activity):
  • The stocking of the library with new books was completed last week. (This refers to the action of supplying.)
  • He is responsible for the stocking of the shelves. (This refers to the ongoing activity of filling shelves.)

Advanced Usage

• "In one's stocking feet": A phrase meaning to be wearing only stockings (or socks) and no shoes.
  • The floor was cold, so she padded around the house in her stocking feet.
• Used in the plural form "stockings" is far more common when referring to the clothing item.
  • A Christmas stocking is hung by the fireplace. (This is a special, large decorative stocking.)

Variants and Related Words

• Stock (noun/verb): The supply of goods or the act of keeping such a supply. Related to the "activity" meaning.
  • The store has a large stock of canned goods.
• Hosiery (noun): A general term for stockings, socks, and tights.
• Tights (noun): A close-fitting garment covering the body from the waist to the toes.
• Sock (noun): A shorter garment covering only the foot and ankle.

Synonyms

• For the clothing item: Hose (archaic), Nylons (colloquial for women's stockings).
• For the activity: Supplying, Restocking, Replenishing.

Idioms and Phrases

• "A run in one's stocking": Refers to a tear or ladder in a stocking.
  • She had to change her outfit because of a run in her stocking.
• "Christmas stocking": A large decorative sock or stocking hung for Santa Claus to fill with small gifts.

Noun

1. the activity of supplying a stock of something
   • he supervised the stocking of the stream with trout
2. close-fitting hosiery to cover the foot and leg; come in matched pairs (usually used in the plural)