1580s, from stain (n.) + -less. Related: Stainlessly. Stainless steel is from 1917, a chromium-steel alloy (usually 14% chromium) used for cutlery, etc., so called because it is highly resistant to rust or tarnish.
stagnate
stagnation
stagy
staid
stain
stainless
stair
staircase
stairway
stairwell
stake