E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Gaze (1 syl., g hard).
To stand at gaze. To stand in doubt what to do A term in forestry. When a stag first hears the hounds it stands dazed, looking all round, and in doubt what to do. Heralds call a stag which is represented full-faced, a “stag at gaze.”
1
“The American army in the central states remained wholly at gaze.”—Lord Mahon: History.
