STAPLES
\stˈe͡ɪpə͡lz], \stˈeɪpəlz], \s_t_ˈeɪ_p_əl_z]\
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Certain products in the supply of which this country was supposed to have special advantages. Thus wool and hides were staples of agricultural produce. The market for staples was carefully regulated. The word is said to be derived from O.Fr. estape, a mart for wine. The superintendence of the trade was in the hands of the Mayor of the Staple.
By Henry Percy Smith
