stock in trade

or stock-in-trade

noun

1. the requisites for carrying on a business, especially goods kept on hand for sale in a store.
2. resources or abilities peculiar to an individual or group or employed for a specific purpose:

   A feeling for language should be part of the stock in trade of any writer.

stock in trade

noun

1. goods in stock necessary for carrying on a business
2. anything constantly used by someone as a part of his profession, occupation, or trade

   friendliness is the salesman's stock in trade

Word History and Origins

Origin of stock in trade¹

First recorded in 1660–70

Example Sentences

In discussing literature, they spoke of the perennial stock-in-trade of the republic of letters—woman's sin.

From Project Gutenberg

This Combination Show—old stock-in-trade of one company, and cast-offs from another—ain't the best o' bisness arter all.

From Project Gutenberg

Nowadays to sally forth with their stock-in-trade on their backs or in a cart is no longer the practice of the workers.

From Project Gutenberg

Thus the principal part of Parrys stock-in-trade—his rockets, incendiary kites, and improved Grecian fires—were not forthcoming.

From Project Gutenberg

Their "plant," it is true, is not large; a few coloured chalks and a soft duster form all their necessary stock-in-trade.

From Project Gutenberg