stopgap meaning (rare): definition, etymology and quotations

stopgap

noun

UK /ˈstɒpɡæp/ · US /ˈstɑpˌɡæp/

Etymology The noun is derived from stop (“to close or block (an opening)”) + gap, from the phrase to stop a gap. The adjective is from an attributive use of the noun, and the verb is derived from the noun.

1

Rare That which stops up or fills a gap or hole.

[A] bit of ink and paper which has long been an innocent wrapping or stop-gap may at last be laid open under the one pair of eyes which have knowledge enough to turn it into the opening of a catastrophe.1872, George Eliot [pseudonym; Mary Ann Evans], chapter XLI, in Middlemarch […], volume II, Edinburgh; London: William Blackwood and Sons, →OCLC, book IV, page 347:

2

Figuratively Something spoken to fill up an uncomfortable pause in speech; a filled pause or filler.

3

Figuratively A short-term fix or temporary measure used until something better can be obtained; that which serves as an expedient in an emergency; a band-aid solution.

The small company used their old product with a few kludged enhancements as a stopgap until they could develop a new product.
Perhaps I shall be told that this wintry exhibition is a mere stopgap and makeshift, until a fresh supply of bright new paintings can be procured, and that it is ultra vires to obtain such for love or money before the merry month of May.1897, Thomas Anstey Guthrie, “Chapter 4”, in Baboo Hurry Bungsho Jabberjee, B.A.:

1 more example

It is often argued that the HST saved BR's InterCity market. It was only ever intended as a stopgap, but it proved to be a winner.2019 October 23, Pip Dunn, “The Next King of Scotland”, in Rail, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire: Bauer Media, →ISSN, →OCLC, page 50:

4

Figuratively, Specifically A person appointed or hired to fill a position temporarily until a permanent appointment or hire can be made; a temp.

As witness the following. Mr Strudwick, the regular master of the form, happened on one occasion to be away for a couple of days, and a stop-gap was put in in his place. The name of the stop-gap was Mr Somerville Smith. He and Farnie exchanged an unspoken declaration of war almost immediately.1903, P. G. Wodehouse, “Chapter 4”, in A Prefect's Uncle:

stopgap

adj

Etymology The noun is derived from stop (“to close or block (an opening)”) + gap, from the phrase to stop a gap. The adjective is from an attributive use of the noun, and the verb is derived from the noun.

1

Short-term; temporary.

They put a stopgap solution in place, but need something more permanent.

2

Filling a gap or pause.

Synonyms: interim
Related terms: tideover, impromptu

stopgap

verb

Etymology The noun is derived from stop (“to close or block (an opening)”) + gap, from the phrase to stop a gap. The adjective is from an attributive use of the noun, and the verb is derived from the noun.

1

To stop up or fill (a physical gap or hole, or a hiatus).

2

To use something as a short-term fix or temporary measure until a better alternative can be obtained.

3

Specifically To work at a position temporarily until a permanent appointment or hire is made.

Related terms: hold over, tide over