[CowboyIndian]

[quote author=CompSci87 link=topic=17736.msg207272#msg207272 date=1508620109]
"Stay the course" had a different meaning in Mick's two older quotes: it meant to stop or hinder something in its progress, not to remain steadfastly on one's own course.

I don't believe so, at least in the second instance, since "stop the course" is used in the prior part of the sentence.
[/quote]

Really? Your reading of the line below tells you it doesn't mean to stop or divert the course?

" Neither may any one stay the course of waters with any new ponds, ditches, or sluces, but shall permit them to run their course..."

[CowboyIndian]

[quote author=CompSci87 link=topic=17736.msg207272#msg207272 date=1508620109]
"Stay the course" had a different meaning in Mick's two older quotes: it meant to stop or hinder something in its progress, not to remain steadfastly on one's own course.

I don't believe so, at least in the second instance, since "stop the course" is used in the prior part of the sentence.
[/quote]

Really? Your reading of the line below tells you it doesn't mean to stop or divert the course?

" Neither may any one stay the course of waters with any new ponds, ditches, or sluces, but shall permit them to run their course..."