See Also: stopgap(dictionary)
stopgap(dictionary)

stopgap (iou)



stopgap noun & verb. M16.
[from STOP verb + GAP noun.]
A. noun.
An argument in defence of some point attacked. Only in M16.
A thing that temporarily supplies a need; a substitute. Also, a person who temporarily occupies a post or vacancy until a permanent appointment can be made. L17.
E. Blishen There were suddenly absentees on the staffI was needed as a stopgap. attrib.: Flight International The plan is a stop-gap measure to tide the company over.
An utterance, often with no inherent significance, intended to fill up a gap or an awkward pause in conversation or discourse. E18.
b. verb intrans. Infl. -pp-. Act as a stopgap or substitute; fill a post or vacancy temporarily. M20.