Preferred term

Stool

Definition

Old English st?l; related to Old Norse st?ll, Gothic st?ls, Old High German stuol chair, Greek stulos pillar. Individual seat, without backrest or armrests, open or closed upright. It might house a drawer under the seat for papers, sewing tools, books, etc. To give them greater stability, they are often built with a truncated pyramid-shaped top. There are also high seats called "stools'' next to bars and counters, although they sometimes have a backrest. Their legs are usually straight or crosswise. Some stools also function as tables and may be upholstered. It was the most common type of seating furniture until the 19th century.