stepn.1
/stɛp/, U.S. /stɛp/ I. Action of stepping.† 11. The sole of the foot. Only as a rendering of Latin vestigium. Obsolete.
1.
a. An act of bodily motion consisting in raising the foot from the ground and bringing it down again in a fresh position; usually, an act of this kind as constituting by repetition the progressive motion of a human being or animal in walking, running, or climbing.false step: see false adj. 6a. hop, step, and jump: see hop n.2 3.
ΚΠ
a1023 Wulfstan Homilies 302 Ælc þæra stæpa and fotlæsta, þe we to cyricean weard..gestæppað.
1297 R. Gloucester's Chron. (Rolls) 6942 Hire legges bare bineþe þe kne þat me miȝte ech stape ise.
c1380 Sir Ferumbras (1879) l. 3989 He prykeþ hem forþ wyþ such an eyr, þat at euery stape sprong out þat fyr, þat þay made þanne.
1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden Polychron. (MS. β) VII. 527 Ȝif heo wole go barfot for hir silf foure stappes and for the bischop fyve stappes, continulich uppon nyne solow schares brennyng and fuyre hote.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 5194 Israel wit þis vplepp þat moght noght forwit strid a step.
1538 T. Elyot Dict. Gradior, to go by steppes.
1574 J. Higgins 1st Pt. Mirour for Magistrates Cordila xxxv Eke nearer still to mee with stealing steps shee drewe.
1576 G. Gascoigne Steele Glas sig. F.ij Nor heare the trampling of his stealing steppes.
1617 F. Moryson Itinerary i. 22 On this side the City they shew a stone, whence they say, the Saint called Aurelia passed the lake..at one step.
1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost xii. 648 With wandring steps and slow. View more context for this quotation
1751 T. Gray Elegy xxv. 10 Brushing with hasty steps the dews away.
1785 W. Cowper Task vi. 564 An inadvertent step may crush the snail That crawls at ev'ning in the public path.
1794 A. Radcliffe Myst. of Udolpho III. viii. 250 He turned to the right, and proceeded, with the same stealing steps, towards Emily's apartment.
1825 W. Scott Talisman ii, in Tales Crusaders III. 22 What do you in the desert with an animal, which sinks over the fetlock at every step..?
1829 W. Scott Anne of Geierstein III. vi. 168 If you will walk a few steps this way.
1860 J. G. Whittier Truce of Piscataqua 111 One alone, a little maid, Middleway her steps delayed.
b. contextually. A footstep or footfall considered in regard to its audibility.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > hearing and noise > degree, kind, or quality of sound > repeated sound or succession of sounds > [noun] > sound of footsteps
stepa1616
tramping1660
stump1690
tit-tat1699
treading1709–10
pad1879
plod-plodding1881
heels1883
flip-flop1889
clump1891
pid-pad1900
plod1902
clomp1912
a1616 W. Shakespeare Macbeth (1623) ii. i. 57 Thou sowre and firme-set Earth Heare not my steps . View more context for this quotation
1797 A. Radcliffe Italian II. vii. 220 The steps of travellers seldom broke upon the silence of these regions.
1816 W. Scott Antiquary I. x. 212 Step after step Lovel could trace his host's retreat along the various passages.
1879 Blackwood's Edinb. Mag. Aug. 180 There were steps coming down the staircase, and voices talking.
1916 N.E.D. at Step Mod. How did you know who it was, when you did not turn your head? I knew him by his step.
c. Manner of stepping or treading; one's stride.
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the world > movement > progressive motion > walking > [noun] > manner of walking
stepOE
gangOE
pacec1300
goinga1382
gait1509
motion1531
gature?1548
walk1567
gait-trip1582
tread1609
go1635
démarche1658
OE Riddle 93 (1936) 12 Hwilum eft gewat in deoþ dalu duguþe secan strong on stæpe.
1488 (c1478) Hary Actis & Deidis Schir William Wallace (Adv.) (1968–9) ii. l. 407 With a rud step Wallace coud eftir glide.
1674 N. Cox Gentleman's Recreation i. 17 All Harts which have a long Step will stand up very long.
1686 R. Blome Gentlemans Recreation ii. 78/2 When the Huntsman endeavoureth to find a Hart by the Slot, and then mind his Step to know whether he is great or long, then say, He is known by his Gate.
a1771 T. Gray Statius in Mem. (1775) 9 With sturdy step and slow, Hippomedon.
1832 E. Bulwer-Lytton Eugene Aram I. i. vi. 99 There is no bound in our step.
1863 ‘G. Eliot’ Romola I. xii. 196 Tito walked along with a light step.
1870 E. Peacock Ralf Skirlaugh I. 13 His step was steady and his voice firm.
d. Military. One of the various paces taught in drill; as slow-step or quickstep.
ΘΚΠ
society > armed hostility > military operations > evolution > [noun] > marching > step
march1661
step1798
1798 G. Washington Let. in Writings (1893) XIV. 18 To train troops to the ‘quick step’.
1802 C. James New Mil. Dict. (at cited word) Back Step, a step taken to the rear from any position without any change of aspect.
1802 C. James New Mil. Dict. Quick Step, or Quick Time, is 108 steps of 30 inches each, or 270 feet in a minute, and is the step used in all filings of divisions.
1806 R. Wilson Jrnl. 11 Feb. The balance or goose-step introduced for their practice excites a fever of disgust.
1825 D. L. Richardson Sonn. 32 Oft with aching bones, I marched the goose-step, cursing Serjeant Jones.
1833 Regulations Instr. Cavalry i. i. 16 (heading) The balance step in double time.
1847 Infantry Man. (1854) 7 Slow Step... The recruit is to be taught to take 75 of these steps in a minute.
1877 T. De W. Talmage 50 Serm. 26 Nearly all the verses of the Bible have a quick-step.
1887 T. A. Trollope What I Remember II. ix. 164 You must have superintended a course of instruction in the goose-step in your day.
1916 H. G. Wells Mr. Britling sees it Through ii. i. 204 The small boys had discovered the goose-step.
1916 H. G. Wells Mr. Britling sees it Through ii. i. 204 They tried it them~selves, and then set out upon a goose-step propaganda.
1922 C. E. Montague Disenchantment xiii. 182 Doing the Prussianist goose-step by way of pas de triomphe.
1941 ‘G. Orwell’ Lion & Unicorn i. ii. 21 The goose-step..is one of the most horrible sights in the world.
1954 B. Liddell Hart Strategy (ed. 2) viii. 113 The French now marched and fought at a quick step of 120 paces to the minute, while their opponents adhered to the orthodox 70 paces.
1971 Daily Tel. 16 Oct. 3/6 As columns approached the Shah they broke into a goose-step.
1999 tr. A. Muñoz in W. F. Sater Holger & H. Herwig Grand Illusion iii. 131 The whistle replaces the coronet; the German goose step supplants the quick step.
e. Dance. Any one of the various paces taught by the master; esp. the gliding movement formerly used in the quadrille and other dances (see chassé n.3). Also, a person's individual manner of pacing in the dance.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > dancing > movements or steps > [noun] > step
step1678
pas1775
dance-step1920
1678 J. Gailhard Compl. Gentleman ii. 49 A Master teaches the steps, but the grace, the carriage, and the free motion of the body must chiefly come from us.
1699 G. Farquhar Love & Bottle ii. ii. 18 My Dancing-Master has forbid me any more, lest I should discompose my steps.
1717 Lady M. W. Montagu Let. 1 Apr. (1965) I. 333 The steps are vary'd according to the Pleasure of her that leads the dance.
1815 W. Scott Guy Mannering II. 123 I have even taught her some of La Pique's steps.
1859 Habits Good Society v. 206 ‘Steps’, as the chasser of the quadrille is called, belong to a past age, and even ladies are now content to walk through a quadrille.
1884 ‘E. Lyall’ We Two I. ix. 192 Captain Golightly had the most delicious step imaginable.
1885 W. J. Fitzpatrick Life T. N. Burke I. 16 They never saw him dance, though his small feet seemed naturally formed for ‘steps’.
f. Chiefly plural. Any of various children's games (see quots.). Cf. grandmother's footsteps n. at grandmother n. Compounds 2.
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society > leisure > entertainment > pastimes > game > children's game > other children's games > [noun] > others
buckle-pit1532
marrowbone1533
put-pin?1577
primus secundus1584
fox in the hole1585
haltering of Hick's mare1585
muss1591
pushpin1598
Jack-in-the-box1600
a penny in the forehead1602
buckerels1649
bumdockdousse1653
peck-point1653
toro1660
wheelbarrow1740
thread-needle1751
thrush-a-thrush1766
runaway ring?1790
Gregory1801
pick-point1801
fighting cocks1807
runaway knock1813
tit-tat-toe1818
French and English1820
honeypots1821
roly-poly1821
tickle-tail1821
pottle1822
King of Cantland1825
tip-top-castle1834
tile1837
statue1839
chip stone1843
hen and chickens1843
king of the castle1843
King Caesar1849
rap-jacket1870
old witch1881
tick-tack-toe1884
twos and threes1896
last across (the road)1904
step1909
king of the hill1928
Pooh-sticks1928
trick or treat1928
stare-you-out1932
king of the mountain1933
dab cricket1938
Urkey1938
trick-or-treating1941
seven-up1950
squashed tomato1959
slot-racing1965
Pog1993
knights-
1909 J. H. Bancroft Games for Playground 188 Step... The object of the game is for the players who are lined up in the rear to advance forward until they cross the line where the counter is stationed [etc.].
1940 N. Marsh Surfeit of Lampreys (1941) ix. 127 The childish game of Steps in which, whenever the ‘he’ has his back turned, the players creep nearer.
1969 I. Opie & P. Opie Children's Games vi. 189 ‘May I?’ as the usual name, but sometimes the game is known as ‘Steps’, ‘All Sorts’, ‘Walk to London’, ‘Variety’, or ‘Mother, May I?’.
2. plural. Progress by stepping or treading; a person's movements, his goings and comings, the course which he follows. In many phrases, as to bend or direct one's steps (to a place, etc.); to retrace, tread back, one's steps (see retrace v. 2, tread v. 2b); to conduct, guide a person's steps; to attend, dog (a person's) steps; all used both literal and figurative.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > aspects of travel > going on foot > [noun] > progress by or course of walking
stepsc1000
the world > movement > progressive motion > walking > [noun] > stepping > a step, pace, or tread
stepsc1000
pacea1350
treadc1400
footstepc1440
treadingsc1440
footing1567
traces1613
footfalla1616
the world > movement > progressive motion > walking > [noun] > stepping > progress by
stepsc1000
c1000 Ags. Ps. xvi. 5 Geriht, Drihten, mine stæpas on þine wegas.
a1340 R. Rolle Psalter xvi. 6 Þat my steppis be noght stirid.
1598 S. Brandon Tragicomoedi of Vertuous Octauia iv. E 5 b Honour attend thy steps.
c1605 (?a1500) London Lickpenny (Harl. 367) l. 1 in Anglia (1898) 20 411 To london once my stepps I bent.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Henry VI, Pt. 2 (1623) iii. ii. 308 Three-fold Vengeance tend vpon your steps . View more context for this quotation
a1616 W. Shakespeare Taming of Shrew (1623) iii. iii. 12 Were it not that my fellow schoolemaster Doth watch Bianca's steps so narrowly. View more context for this quotation
1693 J. Dryden tr. Ovid Fable Acis, Polyphemus & Galatea in Examen Poeticum 88 A Pine..He wielded for a Staff; his steps to guide.
1753 T. Gray Hymn to Adversity in Six Poems 26 Wisdom..And Melancholy..Still on thy solemn steps attend.
1814 H. M. Brackenridge Views Louisiana i. iv. 46 The river pursues a zig-zag course for forty or fifty miles, constantly returning upon its steps.
1842 Ld. Tennyson Flow down, Cold Rivulet 3 No more by thee my steps shall be.
1856 E. Capern Poems (ed. 2) 151 And may no rude steps intrude On thy happy solitude.
1858 E. J. Trelawny Rec. Shelley, Byron (1887) 184 Envy, malice and hatred bedogged his steps.
1885 ‘Mrs. Alexander’ At Bay ii. 20 He directed his steps to the hotel.
3. figurative.
a. An action or movement which leads towards a result; a particular move or advance in a course of action; one of a series of proceedings or measures; also in a step in the right direction; a step up, a rise in social status; a higher position on a ladder of success.
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the world > action or operation > doing > [noun] > an act or deed > an action leading to a result
step1549
pacea1628
to take measures1698
measure1767
the world > action or operation > prosperity > advancement or progress > [noun] > rise in prosperity, power, or rank > occasion or means of
stairs1585
stair1596
setting-forth1602
stepping-stone1653
rise1697
lift1711
leg up1871
a step in the right direction1877
a step up1926
fast track1946
1549 M. Coverdale et al. tr. Erasmus Paraphr. Newe Test. II. 1 John iii. f. xlviiiv For in dede the hate of the neghbour is a step vnto murther.
a1607 H. Chettle Trag. Hoffman (1631) sig. B 4v The first step to reuenge, this seane is donne.
1608 W. Shakespeare King Lear i. 220 No vncleane action or dishonord step . View more context for this quotation
1656 in J. Simon Ess. Irish Coins (1749) 125 The expedients and steps for this worke are many.
1663 S. Patrick Parable of Pilgrim (1687) xxiv. 266 How hard do most Men find the first step to any Science.
1719 D. Defoe Farther Adventures Robinson Crusoe 102 The Belief that the Savages were all kill'd, made our two Men come boldly out from the Tree before they had charg'd their Guns again, which was a wrong Step.
1722 W. Wollaston Relig. of Nature ix. 171 Every motion and step in life should be conducted by reason.
1827 M. Faraday Chem. Manip. vii. 200 The best preparatory step is to insure the cleanness and dryness of the retort.
1841 Penny Cycl. XXI. 181/2 That prince deprived the town of its municipal franchises, a step which much depressed it.
1849 R. Patterson (title) First steps to Zoology.
1860 W. F. Hook Lives Archbps. II. ii. 144 The next step was to assert the royal supremacy.
1877 C. Reade Woman-hater I. i. 190 A little money was given her for a bad purpose. She has used it for a frivolous one. That is ‘a step in the right direction’—jargon of the day.
1879 Cassell's Techn. Educator (new ed.) IV. 273/1 The first step in the preparation of cotton yarn.
1913 Times 7 Aug. 8/3 An anatomical prognosis that marked a great step forward.
1919 H. Walpole Jeremy xii. 294 Going to school..was a mixed business; but the balance was now greatly to the good. It was a step in the right direction towards liberty and freedom.
1926 N. Coward Easy Virtue ii. 86 I don't consider my position in this house a step up... It's been..the most demoralising experience.
1939 L. M. Montgomery Anne of Ingleside xxi. 137 ‘It'll be a step up for a Plummer if you marry a Mitchell,’ Ma said.
1954 Encounter May 52/1 Eventually she became a model—a further step-up—and she received her first film-part in that capacity.
1974 J. Pope-Hennessy R. L. Stevenson i. 32 The Thomas Stevensons..made..a final move to..Heriot Row. This was in all senses a step up, for Heriot Row..was considered one of the most delectable residential streets in Edinburgh.
1976 Glasgow Herald 26 Nov. 6/1 Extensions of the fishing limits around our coasts to 200 miles..are a step in the right direction.
b. A stage in a gradual process.
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the world > action or operation > prosperity > advancement or progress > [noun] > a stage in a process or development
degreec1230
greea1340
steadc1370
pointc1475
nick1649
stadium1669
notch1670
grade1796
step1811
milestone1820
way station1863
1811 J. Pinkerton Petralogy I. 151 The first step in the process of crystallisation is the formation of grains; the second is [etc.].
1875 B. Jowett in tr. Plato Dialogues (ed. 2) V. 14 The regularity with which the steps of the argument succeed one another.
c. Astronautics. = stage n. 12b.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > air or space travel > a means of conveyance through the air > spacecraft > rocket > [noun] > stage of rocket
step1932
stage1935
transtage1965
1932 D. Lasser Conquest of Space vi. 103 Each step, as it is called, is a complete rocket motor, containing fuel, combustion chambers, exhausts, etc.
1956 Spaceflight 1 5/2 Each extra step multiplies the total weight by a factor of up to ten, so that..rockets of more than five stages are not often contemplated.
1966 H. O. Ruppe Introd. Astronautics I. ii. 35 There are cases when a two-step design can do the mission but a one-step rocket cannot.
4.
a. In phrases which refer to the action of walking evenly with another, putting the right and left foot alternately forward at the same moment with the corresponding foot of the other person; as in step and its opposite out of step (with); step for step (with); to keep step (with; also to music, etc.); †to tell steps with. Also figurative.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > rate of motion > move at specific rate [verb (transitive)] > keep pace with > walk evenly with
to tell steps with1623
to keep step (with; also to music, etc.)1858
the world > movement > rate of motion > [phrase] > keeping pace with > walking evenly with
foot by footc1450
step for step (with)1785
the world > movement > rate of motion > [phrase] > keeping pace with > walking evenly with > not
out of step (with)1876–89
1623 W. Shakespeare & J. Fletcher Henry VIII i. ii. 44 I..front but in that File Where others tell steps with me. View more context for this quotation
1785 W. Cowper Task v. 18 The shapeless pair, As they design'd to mock me, at my side Take step for step.
1844 E. B. Browning Rhapsody Life's Progress viii I could walk, step for step, with an angel beside, On the heaven-heights of truth.
1852 W. M. Thackeray Henry Esmond I. v. 114 The officer who rode alongside him step for step.
1858 Lovejoy in Congressional Globe 18 Feb. 754/2 We hear about keeping step to the music of the Union.
1876–89 R. Bridges Growth of Love xxxvi Wherefore my feet go out of step with time.
1896 A. E. Housman Shropshire Lad lviii. 87 When I came last to Ludlow..Two friends kept step beside me.
1898 Weekly Register 15 Jan. We need not go in step with the Bishops over the whole ground exhaustively surveyed.
b. in step: (of two or more alternating currents) having the same frequency and always in the same phase. Similarly out of step.
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the world > matter > physics > electromagnetic radiation > electricity > electric current > alternating current > [adjective]
in phase (with)1891
in step1903
in-phase1914
the world > matter > physics > electromagnetic radiation > electronics > electronic phenomena > [adjective] > in or out of phase
in phase (with)1903
out of phase (with)1903
out of step1961
in-phase1962
1903 W. Rogers in Electr. Engineer 25 Dec. 965/2 The secondary voltages are always in step, owing to the primaries being excited off the same mains.
1961 Listener 9 Nov. 768/2 There is also the problem, with direct current lines, of providing what is called the reactive power—power where the current is out of step with the voltage—for the operation of converter equipment.
5. step by step.
a. Moving one foot after the other continuously; figurative by successive degrees, by gradual and regular progress, with pauses at regular intervals.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > progressive motion > walking > [phrase] > one foot after the other continuously
step by step1583
the world > action or operation > prosperity > advancement or progress > advancing or progressing [phrase] > in stages
step by step1583
1583 A. Nowell et al. True Rep. Disput. E. Campion sig. N4 That..bodie..ascended vpward steppe by steppe.
1701 J. Norris Ess. Ideal World I. ii. 26 If a man does but think and reason on from one thing to another, step by step, in a methodical train.
1732 G. Berkeley Alciphron I. i. xvi. 64 I have been drawn into it step by step through several Preliminaries.
1870 W. Thornbury Tour Eng. II. xxiii. 119 Step by step Wykeham rose to the highest dignities.
1875 B. Jowett in tr. Plato Dialogues (ed. 2) III. 173 The revolution which human nature desires to effect step by step in many ages.
1885 ‘F. Anstey’ Tinted Venus iii. 32 He had retired step by step before her.
1893 [see sense 5c]. 1966 McGraw-Hill Encycl. Sci. & Technol. (rev. ed.) XIII. 355/1 A shaft which can be driven step-by-step in a vertical direction and subsequently can be moved step-by-step in a rotary direction.
b. Keeping pace with another; at the same rate of progress. (Cf. step for step at sense 4a.)
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > rate of motion > [phrase] > keeping pace with
step by step1565
head and girth1796
head-to-head1799
neck and neck1799
1565 T. Cooper Thesaurus at Confero Gradum conferre, to goe as faste as an other: to sette steppe by steppe.
1580 T. M. in Baret's Aluearie (rev. ed.) To Rdr. sig. A.vi Euen step, by step, in following of his feete, In rightest waies.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Tempest (1623) iii. iii. 78 Lingring perdition..shall step by step attend You, and your wayes. View more context for this quotation
1766 H. Walpole Let. to Selwyn 31 Jan. I go step by step with the British Ambassador.
1801 M. Edgeworth Forester in Moral Tales I. 137 Whilst he followed him, step by step, through his instructing narrative.
1899 T. C. Allbutt et al. Syst. Med. VIII. 594 It [i.e. diarrhœa] disappeared step by step with the skin-trouble.
c. attributive or quasi-adj. = that moves or advances step by step; esp. (of mechanisms and the like) moving with pauses at regular intervals; spec. in Telephony, with reference to one type of automatic switching, in which successive switches establish contact by a step-by-step movement first in a vertical and then horizontally in a rotary direction.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > progressive motion > specific manner of progressive motion > [adjective] > step by step
step by step1803
the world > action or operation > prosperity > advancement or progress > [adjective] > that progresses or advances in stages
step by step1803
multistage1904
step by step1918
multiphased1936
phased1949
stage-by-stage1956
staged1960
multistaged1964
society > occupation and work > equipment > machine > parts of machines > mechanism > [adjective] > other
overhead1682
step by step1803
belt-tightening1873
throw-out1883
planetary1904
preselective1925
silky1935
servomechanical1946
servoing1959
switched1962
quartz-locked1977
society > communication > telecommunication > telegraphy or telephony > telephony > telephone equipment > [adjective] > types of exchange > types of exchange equipment
private1852
step by step1879
Strowger1900
1803 G. Ellis Let. in J. G. Lockhart Mem. Life Sir W. Scott (1837) I. xi. 401 I am unable to guide my elephants in that quiet and decorous step-by-step march which the nature of such animals requires.
1813 Examiner 11 Jan. 19/2 We beg the reader to give them a calm…step-by-step perusal.
1845 Brit. Pat. 10,838 15 The Invention of causing the two elementary actions..to produce a step by step motion of an indicator in two contrary directions, for the purpose of giving signals.
1879 Specifications of Patents (U.S. Patent Office) 9 Dec. 392/2 An electro-automatic central [station] for telephone exchanges provided with a step-by-step action.
1889 Engineering 4 Oct. 386/2 The step-by-step advance of the platen somewhat resembles that in the Caligraph.
1893 T. O'C. Sloane Standard Electr. Dict. 494 Step-by-step Telegraphy, a system of telegraphy in which in the receiving instrument a hand is made to move step-by-step, with an escape movement around a dial.
1911 A. B. Smith Mod. Amer. Telephony xxvi. 700 Their devices were usually based on some step-by-step ratchet action.
1933 K. B. Miller Telephone Theory & Pract.: Automatic Switching iii. 22 Of the three general types of automatic or machine-switching systems, ‘step-by-step’, ‘power-driven’, and ‘all-relay’, the former, also called the ‘Strowger system’, will be treated in this chapter.
1938 G. H. Sewell Amateur Film-making iv. 46 The apparatus available to the amateur printer is all of the step-by-step type. Here the films remain stationary for a fraction of time opposite the printing aperture while the exposure is made.
1973 Nature 16 Feb. 416/1 The antiquated Strowger step-by-step switching on which Britain's telephones deplorably now depend.
d. figurative. Involving or comprising a series of distinct stages or operations, often devised to facilitate the accomplishment of something.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > prosperity > advancement or progress > [adjective] > that progresses or advances in stages
step by step1803
multistage1904
step by step1918
multiphased1936
phased1949
stage-by-stage1956
staged1960
multistaged1964
1918 C. I. Lewis Surv. Symbolic Logic ii. 134 This is a ‘step by step’ definition.
1937 J. H. Michell & M. H. Belz Elem. Math. Anal. II. x. 608 The elementary fractions are of the first type.., as we shall now demonstrate by the use of a step-by-step process.
1957 K. A. Wittfogel Oriental Despotism 284 The step-by-step rise of a new system of landed property.
1968 Daily Tel. 8 Nov. 17 Very clear instructions and step-by-step diagrams for making a glove puppet.
1980 ‘R. B. Dominic’ Attending Physician xx. 182 [He] had been subjecting Fournier's narrative to step-by-step dissection.
6. to make or take a step† b. To make a short journey to (a place or person). Obsolete.† c. To perform a stage in a journey. Obsolete.1675 W. Temple Wks. (1731) II. 340 This must be the first open Step that can be made towards the Peace.a1715 Bp. G. Burnet Hist. Own Time (1724) I. 193 To make some steps towards the bringing in of their religion.1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. II. vii. 233 Every step which they made towards union increased the influence of him who was their comon head.1888 F. Hume Madame Midas i. Prol. 16 Come, let us make the first step towards our wealth.
a. To perform the act of moving the foot as in walking or climbing. Cf. French faire un pas. to make or take but one step (from — to —): to pass the interval in a single stride.
ΚΠ
1532 T. More Confut. Tyndales Answere ii. p. cxxxviii As from ye shotte of a gonne a man were metely saufe, that had ere the gonne were losed, made a steppe asyde .xv. hundred myle from it.
1609 W. Shakespeare Troilus & Cressida ii. iii. 181 Weele consecrate the steps that Aiax makes, When they go from Achilles. View more context for this quotation
1678 J. Bunyan Pilgrim's Progress 43 How many steps have I took in vain. View more context for this quotation
1687 A. Lovell tr. J. de Thévenot Trav. into Levant ii. 60 They had hardly made one step, when they returned with all speed.
1746 G. Adams Micrographia Illustrata 142 A general Description of the common Steps a Polype makes in moving from Place to Place.
1748 S. Richardson Clarissa VI. cvi. 349 He had the insolence to lay hands on me: And I made him take but one step from the top to the bottom of a pair of stairs.
1798 S. Lee Young Lady's Tale in H. Lee Canterbury Tales II. 503 He..made but one step from the door to the bed.
1843 G. Borrow Bible in Spain II. xiv. 312 Many is the weary step you will have to make before you reach Giyon and Oviedo.
1859 Ld. Tennyson Elaine in Idylls of King 167 She stay'd a minute, Then made a sudden step to the gate.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > [verb (intransitive)] > make short journey or excursion, esp. for pleasure
to go abroadc1400
to make an errandc1400
to look out1551
jaunt1647
out1653
trip1664
to make or take a step1670
to step up1758
run1759
excursion1792
excursionize1866
tripper1959
1670 C. Cotton tr. G. Girard Hist. Life Duke of Espernon i. iv. 144 Making a step into Gascony to Visit Madam de la Valette, his Mother.
a1701 H. Maundrell Journey Aleppo to Jerusalem (1703) 1 Intending to make only a short step that Evening.
a1706 J. Evelyn Life Mrs. Godolphin (1847) 217 Often have I knowne her privately slipp away..to make a stepp to some miserable poore sick Creature.
1733 J. Swift Let. to Lady B. Germain 8 Jan. I..was resolved to take a step to Paris for my health.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > [verb (intransitive)] > go on a journey > perform a stage in a journey
to make or take a step1695
1695 tr. M. Misson New Voy. Italy II. 305 I..intend..only to run over the several Steps that we made in our Voyage.
1829 W. Scott Anne of Geierstein II. vi. 216 That good Christians may bestow their alms upon him, and so make a step on his road to Heaven.
d. fig. to take a step or steps: to perform a move or moves in a course of action; to take action or measures towards attaining an end. Similarly to make a step or steps (now rare). to take the necessary steps: often, to take the action prescribed by law as necessary to attain some implied object, e.g. the enforcement of a debt.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > doing > act or do [verb (intransitive)] > take action or act towards a result
to make moyen (also moyens)1449
not to lift a finger1529
to take action?1551
solicitate1572
to make a step or stepsa1628
to take a step or stepsa1628
a1628 J. Preston New Covenant (1629) ii. 53 Thou takest not a steppe into any action..but it is ruled and over-ruled by the Lord.
1737 Gentleman's Mag. Feb. 150/1 These, Sire, are the principal Steps to be taken in order to reform your State.
1794 R. B. Sheridan Duenna (new ed.) iii. 53 How shall I intreat your pardon for the rash step I have taken?
1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. II. vi. 44 James now took a step which greatly disconcerted the whole Anglican party.
1867 A. Trollope Last Chron. Barset II. xlvii. 33 He wishes that I should take some step in the matter.
1885 Law Rep.: Appeal Cases 10 386 The owner..has taken no steps to disabuse them of that belief.
1891 Leeds Mercury 2 May 6/5 Steps have already been taken to suppress this demoralising traffic.
7. figurative.1780 Mirror No. 74 What if I should go a step further, and say [etc.]?1847 J. Yeowell Chron. Anc. Brit. Church iii. 23 Irenæus, who is but one step removed from St. John himself.1856 N. Brit. Rev. 26 49 This course of reasoning..might well have been pursued some steps further.1869 Huxley in Sci. Opinion 5 May 505/2 There is a long step from the demonstration of a tendency to the estimation of the practical value of that tendency.1870 E. Peacock Ralf Skirlaugh II. 147 The son went a step further than this.† d. A square on a chessboard. Obsolete. rare.
a. The space traversed by the movement of one foot beyond the other in walking or running; a pace. Hence as a measure of length or distance, sometimes vague, sometimes defined, as military step (see quot. 1862).
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > measurement > measurement of length > [noun] > units of length or distance > pace or step
stridec725
stepc975
pacec1330
pass?c1400
pass?a1425
footstep1570
rhythm1778
c975 Rushw. Gosp. Matt. v. 41 Mille passus, þusend steppan [c1000 stapa].
c1000 in T. Wright & R. P. Wülcker Anglo-Saxon & Old Eng. Vocab. (1884) I. 147/23 Passus, stæpe.
c1250 Owl & Night. 1592 Vych stape hire þinkþ a Mile.
1478 W. Worcester Itineraries 104 Navis continet 60 steppys meis et longitudo Chori continet circa 60 steppys.
1548 Hall's Vnion: Henry VIII f. xliv A lyttell brooke, called Sandyfforde, whyche is but a mans step ouer.
1665 S. Patrick Parable of Pilgrim xxvii. 304 I remember once that I met with a man that thought he wanted not above two or three steps of the Gate of Jerusalem.
1703 C. Cibber She wou'd & she wou'd Not iv. 56 Move but a step..this Minute is thy last.
1711 J. Swift Jrnl. to Stella 15 May (1948) I. 270 It is two good miles and just five thousand seven hundred and forty-eight steps.
1798 W. Wordsworth We are Seven in W. Wordsworth & S. T. Coleridge Lyrical Ballads 112 Their graves are green, they may be seen,..Twelve steps or more from my mother's door.
1862 W. Paterson Treat. Milit. Drawing & Surv. 17 The military step of 30 inches, of which there are 2112 to a mile.
1887 J. Farrell How he Died 39 Not another step, or I'll have to pot you!
b. With limitation or negative (expressed or implied): A very short distance; (only, even) the smallest distance.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > distance > [noun] > a short distance
wurpc950
stepc1000
footc1300
furlong wayc1384
stone-casta1387
straw brede14..
tinec1420
weec1420
field-breadth1535
field-broad1535
pair of butts1545
straw-breadth1577
stone's throw1581
way-bit?1589
space1609
piece1612
littlea1616
spirt1670
a spit and a stride1676
hair's breadth1706
rope's length1777
biscuit throw1796
a whoop and a holler1815
biscuit toss1836
biscuit cast1843
stone-shot1847
pieceway1886
stone-put1896
pitch-and-putt1925
pieceways1932
c1000 Ælfric Joshua x. 12 Ne gang þu mona ongean Achialon anne stæpe furðor.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 17704 Ga þou noght o þi hus a stepe.
1535 Bible (Coverdale) 1 Sam. xx. 3 There is but one steppe betwene me & death.
1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost iv. 22 For within him Hell He brings, and round about him, nor from Hell One step no more then from himself can fly By change of place. View more context for this quotation
1781 W. Cowper Retirem. 491 'Tis such an easy walk..; A step if fair.
1785 W. Cowper Epist. to J. Hill in Task 286 'Tis but a step, sir, just at the street's end.
1815 W. Scott Guy Mannering I. xii. 196 I'll slip on my hood and pattens, and gang to Mr. Mac-Morlan mysell..it's hardly a step.
1831 Westm. Rev. Jan. 232 There is but one step, said Napoleon, from the sublime to the ridiculous.
1845 Lady Dufferin Lament Irish Emigrant 17 'Tis but a step down yonder lane, The little Church stands near.
1876 S. Smiles Life Sc. Naturalist iv. 61 Edward did not know a step of the road.
c. a good, tidy, etc. step: a considerable walking distance. dialect.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > distance > [noun] > considerable distance (in walking)
a good stitch1684
a good, tidy, etc. step1768
1768 L. Sterne Sentimental Journey II. 128 He had brought the little print of butter..; and as..he had a good step to bring it, he had [etc.].
1869 J. C. Atkinson Peacock's Gloss. Dial. Hundred of Lonsdale Step, a walking distance.
1888 B. Lowsley Gloss. Berks. Words & Phrases (at cited word) ‘A goodish step’ means rather a long distance.
1894 R. D. Blackmore Perlycross I. viii. 106 The field was a good step from the village.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > entertainment > pastimes > game > board game > chess > [noun] > chessboard > square
pointc1450
house1562
lodging1562
place1562
step1562
square1611
chequer1801
1562 tr. Damiano da Odemira Pleasaunt Playe of Cheasts sig. Avjv The king..hath libertie to assault thre roumes or stepps as he listeth.
e. The movement through a fixed linear or angular distance made by a stepping device (see stepping adj.) in response to an applied voltage pulse.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > physics > electromagnetic radiation > electricity > electrical engineering > motor > [noun] > movement
step1957
stepping1960
1957 Control Engin. Jan. 74/1 The simple rugged construction of this new unit leads to high reliability, speeds to 100,000 steps per minute.
1964 IEEE Trans. Automatic Control IX. 102/2 Several companies..offer step motors with maximum stepping rates in excess of 3000 steps per second.
1974 T. E. Beliny in B. C. Kuo Theory & Applications of Step Motors x. 209 Load torque may actually vary somewhat from step to step.
8.
a. [Partly figurative use of sense 12] A degree in an ascending scale; a remove in an upward process; a grade in rank or promotion. to get the or one's step (Military): to be promoted to the next higher grade.In early writers often used where we should now say grade or degree.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > working > career > have career [verb (intransitive)] > be promoted
to get the or one's step1821
c1000 Ælfric Gram. (Z.) v. 15 Positvus is se forma stæpe.
c1000 Ælfric Homilies II. 70 On Godes gelaðunge synd þry stæpas gecorenra manna.
a1300 Cursor Mundi 29134 Þar es steps thrin þat man mai fall wit-all in sin, egging, liging [Galba lyking], and consent.
1340 Ayenbite (1866) 46 Þe lecherie of herte zuo heþ vour stapes.
1577 M. Hanmer tr. Bp. Eusebius in Aunc. Eccl. Hist. iii. xxxiii. 55 Obtayning the first stepp of Apostolicall succession.
1601 Bp. W. Barlow Serm. Paules Crosse Martij 1600 30 I am not either a penny the richer or a steppe the higher for him.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Richard III (1623) iv. iv. 273 + 14 They are as Children but one steppe below.
1641 J. Jackson True Evangelical Temper iii. 168 A graduall expression, growing up to the height of its emphasis by foure steps.
1779 Mirror No. 25 This contempt of authority, and affectation of fashion, has gone a step lower in my household.
1781 W. Cowper Retirem. 722 One [friend]..Will stand advanc'd a step above the rest.
1801 G. Rose Diaries (1860) I. 348 It might be desirable to confer the..step in the peerage on Lord Nelson.
1821 W. Scott Let. 10 May (1934) VI. 439 I trusted you would get the step within the 12 months that the corps yet remains in Europe.
1829 J. Donovan tr. Catech. Council Trent ii. vii After first tonsure, the next step is to the order of Porter.
c1830 M. M. Sherwood Houlston Tracts III. lxxxi. 4 The housemaid..had been at the head of the sweeping-department,..and..by her going Anne was to get a step.
1847 W. M. Thackeray Vanity Fair (1848) xxviii. 245 ‘He and I were both shot in the same leg at Talavera.’ ‘Where you got your step,’ said George with a laugh.
1892 A. Bierce In Midst of Life 124 Each had taken two steps upward in rank.
1902 S. Sheldon & H. Mason Alternating-current Machines 207 Take readings thus by steps of five degrees throughout one complete cycle.
b. Music. A melodic interval of a single degree of the scale (i.e. a tone or semitone). Cf. leap n.1 7 by step: by progression through a single degree of the scale (i.e. a tone or semitone).
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > the arts > music > musical sound > pitch > interval > [noun] > degree
degree1655
gradual tone1665
step1889
society > leisure > the arts > music > musical sound > pitch > interval > [adverb] > passing by one degree
by step1889
stepwise1955
1889 E. Prout Harmony (ed. 10) vi. §164 A second inversion may be approached either by leap..or by step..from the root position of another chord.
1907 C. E. Kitson Art of Counterpoint iv. 50 If the..third and fourth crotchets are discordant with the C.F. the part must proceed in the same direction by step to the next concord. If the next step will not produce a concord, the passage must be rearranged.
1930 A. M. Richardson Helps to Fugue Writing v. 27 If the two missing beats were supplied thus..the result would be impossible cacophony. The only thing to do is to transpose this last group a step lower.
1952 A. O. Warburton Melody Writing & Anal. i. 7 When a melodic part moves by step it is said to be ‘conjunct’. When it moves by leap it is ‘disjunct’.
1971 A. Hopkins Talking about Sonatas iv. 58 The Exposition of the Hammerklavier ends with three giant steps.
9. † b. figurative. A trace, vestige; mark or indication left by anything material or immaterial. Obsolete. (Cf. footstep n. 2.)
a. The mark or impression made by the foot on the ground; a footprint.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > indication > marking > a mark > trace or vestige > [noun] > left by the passage of something > of a person or animal > track of footprints > footprint
trod946
lastOE
foot sporeOE
tread?c1225
stepc1290
footstepa1300
solec1325
tracta1547
footprint1552
traces1552
footing1563
foot track1600
accub1623
vestigating1634
vestige1656
seal1686
sign1692
footmark1756
stabble1863
pelmatogram1890
paw print1894
c1290 S. Eng. Leg. 6/182 Euerech stape þat we stepen for-barnde onder ore fet... For þe foule sunnes þat we duden ore stapen beoth euere i-sene.
c1385 G. Chaucer Legend Good Women 829 He sey the steppis brode of a lyoun.
c1400 Ywaine & Gaw. 2889 Lo her the steppes of his stede, Evyn unto him thai wil the lede.
a1425 Edward, Duke of York Master of Game (Digby) xxiv He shall say the trace of an herte and eke of þe bucke,..and þat of þe stynkynge beestes, þat men calle vermynn, he shall clepe hem steppes.
c1450 Mirk's Festial 152 And þer [he] laft þe steppus of hys fete þroste downe into þe hard erth, þat euer sythen has ben sen.
1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 276/1 Steppe a print of ones fote, trac.
1538 T. Elyot Dict. Peda & Pedatura, the steppe or token of a mannes foote.
1746 P. Francis tr. Horace in P. Francis & W. Dunkin tr. Horace Epistles i. i. 105 The Steps, that to thy Den Look forward all, but none return again.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > indication > marking > a mark > trace or vestige > [noun]
signa1382
stepa1382
ficchingc1384
marka1400
tracesc1400
scentc1422
footstep?a1425
tidinga1440
relicc1475
smell?a1505
stead1513
vestigy1545
print1548
token1555
remnant1560
show1561
mention1564
signification1576
footing?1580
tract1583
remainder1585
vestige1602
wrack1602
engravement1604
footstepping1610
resent1610
ghost1613
impression1613
remark1624
footprint1625
studdle1635
vestigium1644
relict1646
perception1650
vestigiary1651
track1657
symptom1722
signacle1768
ray1773
vestigia1789
footmark1800
souvenir1844
latent1920
a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(1)) (1850) Wisd. ii. 3 Oure lif shal passe as the step of a cloude.
c1400 N. Love tr. Bonaventura Mirror Life Christ (Gibbs MS.) lviii. 113 Oure lorde reserued in hys gloryouse body þe steppes of hys woundes.
a1425 (c1395) Bible (Wycliffite, L.V.) (Royal) (1850) Gen. xli. 21 Tho secounde ȝauen no steppe of fulnesse.
?a1475 (?a1425) tr. R. Higden Polychron. (Harl. 2261) (1869) II. 35 As ȝitte the stappes of that famose dyche remayne.
1565 T. Stapleton Fortresse of Faith f. 132 Purging them from all steppes and tokens of Idolatry.
1578 R. Day Bk. Christian Prayers sig. Hijv Vnles among the far Ethiopians some old steps of Christianitie peraduenture doe yet remayn.
10.
a. to walk in (or †tread) a person's steps, to follow him as he walks; usually figurative, follow his example. †Also in phrases of opposite sense, as to swerve from, shun, refuse one's steps. The phr. to follow, (†sue, †pursue) a person's steps is perhaps to be referred in part to sense 5.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > relationship > imitation > imitate [verb (intransitive)] > follow an example
borrow?c1225
to walk in (or tread) a person's stepsa1240
to take example from (also by, at, of)c1405
to dance to or after (a person's) pipe, whistle1546
patrizate1623
patrizizea1642
to follow suit1747
to take a leaf out of a person's book1809
pattern1820
a1240 Ureisun in Old Eng. Hom. I. 187 He mot foleȝi þine steapes þurh sar and þurh sorewe.
c1384 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(2)) (1850) Rom. iv. 12 To hem that suen his steppis [1526 Tyndale walke in the steppes] of the feith of our fadir Abraham.
?a1475 (?a1425) tr. R. Higden Polychron. (Harl. 2261) (1874) V. 431 The doȝhters of the seide Romilda not foloynge the stappes of theire moder, but lovynge chastite.
?a1475 (?a1425) tr. R. Higden Polychron. (Harl. 2261) (1869) II. 343 Whiche folowenge the stappes of an oxe made a place, namenge hit Boetia.
a1505 R. Henryson Orpheus & Eurydice 17 in Poems (1981) 132 Thair fadirs steppis iustly to persewe.
a1513 H. Bradshaw Lyfe St. Werburge (1521) ii. xix. sig. q.iiiiv This Matild clerely refusyng The steppes of Sara..And other good matrons.
a1538 T. Starkey Dial. Pole & Lupset (1989) 96 In thys processe we wyl take nature for our exampul & as nere as we can folow hyr steppys.
1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries f. clxixv Not to swarue from the steppes of the confession at Auspurge.
1577 B. Googe tr. C. Heresbach Foure Bks. Husbandry i. f. 18 A good token is it..of good ground, where the Crowes and the Pyes folowe in great number the Plowe, scraping in the steppes of the Plowman.
1579 W. Wilkinson Confut. Familye of Loue f. 100 To..tread the steppes of Gods sonne.
a1586 Sir P. Sidney tr. Psalmes David (1823) xvii. iv Ledd by thy word, the rav'ners stepps I shun.
1641 J. Jackson True Evangelical Temper ii. 117 S. Philip..was fastened to the Crosse, and stoned to death, treading the steps both of his Master, and of Stephen.
1695 E. Hickeringill Lay-clergy in Wks. (1716) I. 322 Arch-bishop Laud did but Lackey it after those, and followed their steps.
1714 tr. I. Barrow Euclide's Elements (rev. ed.) Pref. 2 Whose Steps I was obliged closely to follow.
1752 S. Foote Taste Ded. p. v In the following Sheets her Steps have been trod with an indeviating Simplicity.
1777 J. Priestley Disquis. Matter & Spirit i. 1 The means of inducing the philosophical part of the world to tread back their steps.
1788 E. Gibbon Decline & Fall VI. lix. 72 The jackall..is said to follow the steps, and devour the leavings, of the lion.
1831 D. E. Williams Life Sir T. Lawrence I. 243 We must tread back our steps.
1881 Illingworth Serm. xi. 149 Thousands upon thousands..have taken courage from their example to follow in their steps.
b. to watch (or mind) one's step, to be careful about one's actions, to tread warily. (Chiefly admonitory.) colloquial.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > manner of action > care, carefulness, or attention > caution > be cautious or take care [verb (intransitive)]
warea1000
biwaitc1456
to look to it1548
to look out?1553
to play safe1601
to be on the sure side1668
to mind out1823
to keep one's powder dry1837
to play it safe1873
to have a care1876
to watch it1916
to watch (or mind) one's step1934
1934 ‘G. Orwell’ Burmese Days viii. 139 You watch your step. Tom Lackersteen may be a drunken sot, but he's not such a bloody fool that he wants a niece hanging round his neck for the rest of his life.
1935 D. L. Sayers Gaudy Night vii. 154 I can have a word with her and tell her to mind her step.
1955 M. Gilbert Sky High xii. 168 The Inspector... Bit of an awkward mood... I'd mind my step, if I were you.
1977 P. D. James Death of Expert Witness i. 23 He seems to be taking quite an interest in you... You'd better watch your step.
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > the body > external parts of body > limb > extremities > foot > [noun] > sole
solec1325
foot solea1382
planta1382
step1382
palmc1450
plat1574
treadc1720
baby sole1864
1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) 2 Sam. xiv. 25 Fro the stap of the foot [L. a vestigio pedis] vnto the top, there was not in hym eny spot.
1609 Bible (Douay) I. Deut. xxviii. 65 Neither shal there be resting for the steppe of thy foote.
II. Something on which to place the foot in ascending or descending.
12. figurative.a1616 W. Shakespeare Othello (1622) i. iii. 199 Let me..lay a sentence Which as a greese or step may helpe these louers Into your fauour. View more context for this quotationa1616 W. Shakespeare Macbeth (1623) i. iv. 48 The Prince of Cumberland: that is a step, On which I must fall downe, or else o're-leape, For in my way it lyes. View more context for this quotation1642 T. Fuller Holy State ii. xv. 106 Not like those Masters, who making their Colledges as steps to higher advancement will trample on them to raise up themselves.
a. A flat-topped structure, normally made of stone or wood and some six or seven inches high, used, singly or as one of a series, to facilitate a person's movement from one level to another.
ΘΚΠ
society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > a building > parts of building > stairs > [noun] > step
stepc825
treadlea1000
stopelc1200
degreec1290
passa1400
pace1423
grece1448
stair1530
footing1725
stair-step1794
gradin1839
society > travel > means of travel > route or way > other means of passage or access > [noun] > flight of steps > a step
stepc825
degreec1290
gree1303
stridea1400
grece1448
stair?1473
footstep1549
grade1698
stepping-stone1837
c825 Vesp. Psalter xliv. 9 A gradibus eburneis, from stepum elpanbaennum.
c1000 Ælfric Exodus xx. 26 Ne ga þu on stapum to minum weofode.
c1320 Cast. Love 740 In þulke..tour Þer stont a trone..Seuene steppes þer beoþ þer-to.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 10589 Þis maiden..Was on þis grece..On þe neþermast stepp don.
1426–7 in H. Littlehales Medieval Rec. London City Church (1905) 66 For a mason & his man..to make a stayer with iij stappes.
1538 T. Elyot Dict. Scamnum,..a step or grise, wherby a manne gothe vp vnto a high bedde.
1554 tr. Doctr. Masse Bk. A iv b Let there be a benediction of Salt and Water..made by the Priest at the step of the Chauncell.
1567–8 in J. Raine Fabric Rolls York Minster (1859) 114 For amending and repayring the greases or steppes before the southe doore, 6s.
1637 Accts. St. John's Hosp., Canterbury (Canterbury Cathedral Archives: CCA-U13/5) For a great stone to make a stiape vjd.
1705 E. Ward Hudibras Redivivus I. iv. 16 That dwells in Allies, God knows where, Down seven Steps, and up one Stair.
1823 P. Nicholson New Pract. Builder 184 Each riser and tread, when fixed together, is called a step.
1847 C. Brontë Jane Eyre II. ii. 33 Adèle and I sat down on the top step of the stairs to listen.
1908 E. Fowler Between Trent & Ancholme 39 The steps down into the Fellows' garden.
b. The height or depth of this.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > means of travel > route or way > other means of passage or access > [noun] > flight of steps > a step > the height or depth of a step
step1662
1662 J. Davies tr. A. Olearius Voy. & Trav. Ambassadors 271 This Hall was rais'd three Steps from the Ground.
1877 R. Jefferies Gamekeeper at Home (1890) i. 5 Inside the door the floor of brick is a step below the level of the ground.
c. A foothold cut in a slope of earth or ice.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > support > [noun] > that which supports > foothold or support for the foot > specific
footboard1598
foot stay1658
footing1725
foot raila1749
footrest1833
step1860
1860 J. Tyndall Glaciers of Alps i. xi. 69 Cutting steps in the ice wherever climbing was necessary.
1871 E. Whymper Scrambles amongst Alps x. 230 He cut steps down one side of a sérac.
1892 C. T. Dent et al. Mountaineering (Badminton Libr. of Sports & Pastimes) vi. 175 To cut traversing steps is harder than to cut steps down hill.
d. A flat projecting foot-piece, fixed or made to let down when wanted, for entering or alighting from a vehicle; also, a projecting bracket attached to a bicycle to rest the foot on when mounting.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > means of travel > a conveyance > vehicle > parts and equipment of vehicles generally > [noun] > step for entering or mounting vehicle
step1816
society > travel > means of travel > a conveyance > vehicle > cart, carriage, or wagon > carriage for conveying persons > [noun] > parts of > step
foot iron1741
carriage step1799
step1816
footplate1833
tread-steps1837
1816 J. Austen Emma I. xiii. 240 They arrived, the carriage turned, the step was let down. View more context for this quotation
1836 C. Dickens Pickwick Papers (1837) iv. 38 The fat boy..let down the steps, and held the carriage door invitingly open.
1841 W. M. Thackeray Great Hoggarty Diamond iii The carriage steps being let down.
1847 C. J. Lever Knight of Gwynne xvii The steps were up, the door banged to,..and the next moment saw the chaise at the end of the street.
1852 W. M. Thackeray Henry Esmond I. iv. 88 The..young page..riding..on the step of my lady's coach.
1877 H. H. Griffin Bicycles of Year 8 The step is placed at a convenient distance from the ground, and at the portion of fork best suited to bear the rider's weight.
1882 ‘E. Lyall’ Donovan xxxi By the time the newspaper boy had sprung down from the step [of a railway carriage].
e. Fortification = banquette n. 1.
ΘΚΠ
society > armed hostility > defence > defensive work(s) > earthwork or rampart > [noun] > parapet > firing platform
foot bench?1575
foot bank1618
banquette1629
step1672
tread1834
firing step1899
fire-step1915
1672 J. Lacey tr. A. Tacquet Mil. Archit. viii. 18 in T. Venn Mil. & Maritine Discipline ii The Step or Banquet is built at the foot of all Brestworks on the inside, and is 3 feet thick or broad, and 1½ feet high.
1847 J. S. Macaulay Treat. Field Fortification (ed. 2) 301 To render the steps or traverses..available for the active as well as passive defence.
f. Eton Fives. The shallow step which divides the court into an inner and outer part.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > ball game > handball, etc. > [noun] > fives > court > parts of
pepperbox1865
step1890
hole1897
1890 A. C. Ainger Fives in J. M. Heathcote et al. Tennis (Badminton Libr. of Sports & Pastimes) 463 The vertical face of the ‘step’ does not reckon as part of the floor of the court.
1897 Earl of Suffolk et al. Encycl. Sport I. 400 All alike differ from Eton Courts in having no pepper-box, hole, or step.
1975 Oxf. Compan. Sports & Games 290/2 Running across the court is a shallow step 10 ft. (3·05 m.) from the front wall, dividing the court into an inner or upper court and an outer or lower court.
g. to go up the steps: to be committed or appear for trial at a higher court, esp. the Old Bailey. Also in related phrases. slang.
ΘΚΠ
society > law > administration of justice > court proceedings or procedure > trying or hearing of cause > try or hear causes [verb (intransitive)] > present oneself for judgement or stand trial > appear before higher court
to go up the steps1931
1931 W. F. Brown in Police Jrnl. Oct. 501 When he got up the steps, he had a mouthpiece who was no bottle.
1938 F. D. Sharpe Sharpe of Flying Squad 334 Up the Steps, being committed to the Sessions or Assizes.
1952 ‘J. Henry’ Who lie in Gaol iv. 62 They think it's wonderful ‘to go up the steps’—to be sent for trial at the Old Bailey.
1962 John o' London's 25 Jan. 82/1 You'll go up the steps.
13.
a. A rung or stave of a ladder; each of the flat cross-pieces of a stepladder.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > equipment > ladder > [noun] > rung or step
stepc1000
gangOE
stavec1175
tine?c1225
ladder stalea1250
degreec1290
rungc1300
staffc1325
stairc1400
ladder stavec1440
scalec1440
roundc1450
stakec1450
sprang1527
staver1534
rundle1565
rave1566
roundel1585
rondel1616
ladder rung1620
rowel1652
spokea1658
stower1674
stale1714
rim1788
tread1838
through1899
step iron1912
c1000 Ælfric Lives Saints i. 22 Þonne bið he þam men gelic þe..stihð be þære hlæddre stapum oðþæt he to ðæm ænde becume.
1487 (a1380) J. Barbour Bruce (St. John's Cambr.) x. 361 He gert sym of the ledows..Of hempyn rapis ledderis ma, With treyn steppis bundin swa, That vald brek apon na kyn wis.
1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 276/1 Steppe or staffe of a lader, eschellon.
1548 T. Cooper Bibliotheca Eliotæ (rev. ed.) Climacter, the rounde or step of a ladder.
1659 N. R. Proverbs 89 Step after step the Ladder's ascended.
1674 in J. Barmby Churchwardens' Accts. Pittington (1888) 236 A new ladder containing 31 stepps.
1850 J. Greenwood Sailor's Sea-bk. 153 Steps for the Ship's side. The pieces of quartering, with mouldings, nailed to the sides amidships, about 9 inches asunder, from the wale upwards, for the convenience of persons getting on board.
1902 J. Oman Vision & Authority i. iv. 30 No step of the ladder by which man climbs equals the first.
b. plural. A stepladder; also a pair or set of steps. colloquial.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > equipment > ladder > [noun] > step-ladder
pairc1450
steps1693
stand-ladder1712
stepladder1751
library stepsc1762
high step1776
trap-ladder1855
1693 J. Evelyn tr. J. de La Quintinie Compl. Gard'ner ii. iv. x. 17 If that Branch be too high, he must get upon something, either a Ladder, or Steps, to the end that he may Cut it with ease.
1730 Inventory R. Woolley's Goods (1732) 11 A Pair of wooden Steps.
1855 A. Trollope Warden xiv. 221 A pretty portable set of steps in one corner of the room.
1861 F. W. Robinson No Church I. i. ii. 66 A hammer, and nails, and a pair of steps.
1861 F. W. Robinson No Church I. i. ii. 67 Steps, nails and hammer were quickly at the disposal of the stranger.
1875 E. H. Knight Pract. Dict. Mech. Steps, a ladder for in-door use.
III. Transferred uses of sense 12.
14. Geology. A fault or dislocation of strata.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > structure of the earth > structural features > discontinuity or unconformity > [noun] > fault
trouble1672
dislocation1695
trap1719
trapping1758
slip1789
step1789
fault1796
throw1796
jump1842
nigger1886
1789 J. Williams Nat. Hist. Mineral Kingdom I. 23 The single slips, or steps, for they are known by both names, are of various degrees of magnitude.
1824 G. Chalmers Caledonia III. ii. §3. 53 This bed [of coal]..when clear of steps and dikes, which frequently occur, at thirty yards' distance, dips one foot in twelve.
1839 A. Ure Dict. Arts 965 Hitches are small and partial slips, where the dislocation does not exceed the thickness of the coal-seam; and they are correctly enough called steps by the miner.
1886 J. Barrowman Gloss. Sc. Mining Terms 64 Step, a hitch or dislocation of the strata.
15.
a. An offset or part resembling a step in outline, singly or in a series; e.g. in the bit of a key.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > shape > other specific shapes > [noun] > step(s) or stair(s)
stagea1500
step1674
gradations1698
stair-stepper1925
society > occupation and work > equipment > building and constructing equipment > fastenings > [noun] > key > parts of key > bit > incisions on
ward1390
step1674
bridgeward1856
1674 R. Hooke Animadversions Machina Cœlestis 71 Unscrew the Plates, and place them in such order, that the Teeth may gradually follow each other,..and with such steps, that the last Tooth of one Degree, may within one step answer to the first Tooth of the next Degree.
1809 Brit. Patent 3188 (1856) 3 The key..moves the horizontal tumbler or tumblers to certain limit or limits by a step or steps cut in the key nose.
1813 J. Mawe Treat. Diamonds ii. 110 The best method of cutting it is in small steps, that it may shew the colour to the greatest advantage.
1815 W. Burney Falconer's New Universal Dict. Marine (rev. ed.) Step or Tongue, for the tar-kettle, in rope-making, is made of three inch oak plank [etc.].
1859 F. A. Griffiths Artillerist's Man. (1862) Pl. 112 Steps [of a gun-carriage].
1862 Internat. Exhib.: Illustr. Catal. Industr. Dept. II. xxxi. §6105 The ‘bits’ or steps on the ‘web’ of the key, that act on the levers inside the lock.
b. (See quot. 1909.)
ΚΠ
1909 Hawkins' Mech. Dict. Step of Screw, the distance between two adjacent threads, more commonly termed the pitch of the screw.
c. Aeronautics. An edge built across the float or hull of a seaplane or hydroplane, giving its outline the form of an inverted step and designed to facilitate its separation from the water; on the step, with the part of the hull forward of the step out of the water.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > air or space travel > specific movements or positions of aircraft > [phrase] > with forward part out of water (seaplane)
on the step1911
society > travel > air or space travel > a means of conveyance through the air > aeroplane > parts of aircraft > [noun] > fuselage > structure in hull or float in flying boat > step in hull of seaplane
step1911
1911 Flight 25 Nov. 1026/1 Each hydroplane has two steps, the middle step being halfway back from the bow.
1913 Aeroplane 24 Apr. 482/1 The [flying] boat got up on its step in a few yards.
1913 Captain Sept. 1075/1 The ‘stepped’ float..with one or more steps in the bottom, is becoming popular.
1915 C. Grahame-White & H. Harper Aeroplane 171 In the floats of the Avro will be noticed a notch, or cut-away section, which occurs at about the centre of the float upon its lower side. This is called the ‘step’, and is to help the float to lift from the water.
1922 Encycl. Brit. XXX. 52/1 The main ‘step’ under the centre of gravity was proved necessary, but the area of the planing surfaces forward of less importance.
1934 W. Nelson Seaplane Design vi. 54 Floats without steps tend to cling to the water with a tenacity that requires abnormal power for the take-off.
1935 Sun (Baltimore) 10 Oct. 24/4 As the clipper reached Middle River its speed increased until it was flying over the water on the hydroplane step.
1936 J. Grierson High Failure v. 91 After about half a mile of almost imperceptible acceleration, [the seaplane] Robert Bruce ‘got on to the step’ and began to hydroplane.
1952 A. Y. Bramble Air-plane Flight xi. 167 The floats are curiously shaped on their under sides, having a sudden discontinuity of surface known as a ‘step’.
1983 D. Stinton Design of Aeroplane ix. 359 It is necessary to break down the suction by ventilation..and this is done by making a step about half-way along the planing bottom, slightly aft of the aircraft CG.
16. Nautical. The block in which is fixed the heel of a mast or capstan.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > travel by water > vessel, ship, or boat > equipment of vessel > masts, rigging, or sails > spar > [noun] > mast > socket in which mast is fitted
stepc1440
lutchet1825
mast-step1863
step-plate1869
tabernacle1877
society > travel > travel by water > vessel, ship, or boat > equipment of vessel > other equipment of vessel > [noun] > capstan > block in which heel of capstan fitted
step1644
c1000 in Cockayne Shrine (1864) 35/15 Hig fæstniað þone stepe þurh þa þilinge.
c1440 Promptorium Parvulorum 474/2 Step, where a mast stant yn a schyppe, parastica.
1532 Invent. Great Barke 6 Oct. (Cotton App. xxviii) f. 1 Item, a nyew mayne mast of spruce with a nyew staye hounsyd and skarvyd with the same wood, whyche mast ys of length from the Hounse to the step 25 yards.
1644 H. Mainwaring Sea-mans Dict. 102 A Stepp. They call that peece of timber, which is made fast to the Keelson, wherein the maine-mast doth stand, a Stepp: Also those places, and timber, wherein the missen-mast, fore-mast, and the capstaine doe stand, are called Stepps.
1719 D. Defoe Life Robinson Crusoe 162 I fix'd my Umbrella also in a Step at the Stern, like a Mast.
1850 J. Greenwood Sailor's Sea-bk. 152 Steps for the Capstan. Solid lumps of oak, fixed on the beams, in which the heels of the capstan work.
1912 Blackwood's Mag. Sept. 342/2 Our mast suddenly gave out, and, breaking at the step, went overboard.
17. Mechanics.
a. The lower bearing or block on which a vertical pivot, shaft or the like rotates.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > equipment > machine > parts of machines > shaft > [noun] > parts of > support or bearing
headstock1688
brass1731
bearing1734
carriage1788
step1814
bearance1826
footstep1836
cod1839
pivot bearing1851
roller bearing1857
thrust-bearing1858
step-plate1869
thrust-bearer1869
needle bearing1870
journal-bearing1875
wall-bearing1875
plain bearing1893
tumbler-bearing1901
split bearing1902
sleeve bearing1907
thrust-box1918
taper roller bearing1930
1814 R. Buchanan Pract. Ess. Mill-work vii. 154 The bearings for pivots, at the lower extremity of upright shafts, are denominated Steps.
1835 A. Ure Philos. Manuf. 172 Their lower ends [of the spindles] are pointed conically, and turn in brass sockets called steps.
1841 S. C. Brees Gloss. Civil Engin. Steps or Bearings, those parts which receive the lower gudgeons of upright shafts.
1860 Burn's Gloss. Techn. Terms 12 Step, a pedestal for carrying the brass or bush in which the lower end of a vertical shaft revolves.
b. The lower brass of a journal-box or pillow-block in which a horizontal shaft revolves; also, see quot. 1887.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > equipment > machine > parts of machines > shaft > [noun] > parts of > journal > part which encloses or supports > parts of
pillow block1814
pillar block1827
stop-plate1837
step-bearing1873
step1875
1875 E. H. Knight Pract. Dict. Mech.
1887 D. A. Low Introd. Machine Drawing 30 The brass bush [of a pillow block]..is in halves, called brasses or steps.
18. A change in the value of some quantity, esp. voltage, occurring over a negligibly short interval of time. Frequently attributive.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > physics > electromagnetic radiation > electricity > voltage > [noun] > variation in voltage
swing1908
transient1910
step1940
1940 in Chambers's Techn. Dict. 806/1.
1958 W. G. Holzbock Automatic Control iii. 20 Assume that Figure 3–3c represents the change in level seen in Figure 3–5 after a step change in valve position..closes the valve slightly.
1959 W. I. Caldwell et al. Frequency Response or Process Control ii. 15 If the input to the controller undergoes a step change of 1 psi, then the controller output will be a step equal in magnitude to the setting of proportional gain.
1962 J. H. Simpson & R. S. Richards Physical Princ. Junction Transistors xv. 372 i0i s the change of output current resulting from the application of a sudden step of input current.
1973 Nature 23 Nov. 220/1 Where C is membrane capacitance, i is membrane current and V is the magnitude of the applied voltage step.
1975 G. J. King Audio Handbk. ii. 41 Although a perfect step-wave (i.e. one of zero rise time) cannot, of course, be produced, a good evaluation of amplifier rise time is possible.
Compounds
C1. † step-ward n. Obsolete the ward of a lock nearest the pin; also, the ward of a key nearest the pin or barrel.
step-bearing n. = sense 17.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > equipment > machine > parts of machines > shaft > [noun] > parts of > journal > part which encloses or supports > parts of
pillow block1814
pillar block1827
stop-plate1837
step-bearing1873
step1875
1873 J. Richards On Arrangem. Wood-working Factories 149 The step-bearings for these machines should be as long and nearly as large in diameter as the top bearings.
1885 J. G. Horner Pattern Making 226 The guide-ring plate E, carries the step bearing of the turbine shaft.
step-board n. the tread or flat part of a wooden step.
ΘΚΠ
society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > a building > parts of building > stairs > [noun] > step > tread
tread1712
flat1793
step-board1823
treader1881
stair-tread1919
1823 P. Nicholson New Pract. Builder 191 Proceed with all the succeeding risers and step-boards until the winders are complete.
step-chair n. (a) a form of railway chair (chair n.1 12(b). (b) a chair which can be converted into a short stepladder.
ΚΠ
1872 W. S. Huntington Road-master's Assistant 96 In laying repaired iron, what are known as step-chairs should be used.
1895 Army & Navy Co-op. Soc. Price List 15 Sept. 229/1 Folding Step Chairs, 4 Step.
step-collar n. a collar with a V-shaped opening at the junction of the collar and lapel (cf. step-roll n. (collar) below).
ΘΚΠ
the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > parts of clothing > [noun] > covering or next to neck > collar > types of
chevesailec1400
roll collar1832
coat-collar1833
bertha1842
step-roll1881
open-neck1894
step-collar1895
button-down1897
turtle-neck1897
Shakespeare collar1907
polo collar1909
shawl collar1913
polo neck1924
mandarin collar1952
petal collar1957
polo1967
1895 J. P. Thornton Sectional Syst. Cutting 104 Step collar vest.
1931 Burberry's Catal. The Burberry (Step-Collar).
1977 Summit (Austin Reed Ltd.) Autumn 41 Step collar dress suit..with satin facings £69.
step-cut n. = trap-cut n.; also as adj.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > beautification > types of ornamentation > jewellery > making jewellery or setting with jewels > [noun] > mode of cutting gemstones
trap-cut1853
step-cut1865
degree-cut1909
1865 H. Emanuel Diamonds & Precious Stones 98 The Trap or Step Cut.
1905 C. Davenport Jewellery i. 19 A step-cut diamond..the sides facetted in gradually decreasing sizes.
step-cutter n.
ΚΠ
1884 Pall Mall Gaz. 10 June 11/2 Kauffman..is, I believe, generally admitted to be the fastest step-cutter living.
step cutting n. (see 12c).
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > mountaineering or climbing > [noun] > actions
glissading1832
rock climb1861
glissade1862
traversea1877
step cutting1884
hand traverse1897
conquest1902
bouldering1920
lay-back1925
soloing1929
hand-jamming1937
safing1937
rappelling1938
leading through1945
pendulum1945
free-climbing1946
laybacking1955
pendule1957
finger jam1959
jumar1966
jam1967
prusiking1968
jumaring1971
free solo1977
redpoint1986
mantel1987
crimping1990
1884 Pall Mall Gaz. 10 June 11/1 It was a very steep bit of step cutting.
1898 Earl of Suffolk et al. Encycl. Sport II. 36/1 [article Mountaineering] Ice-slopes and Step-cutting.
step-dance n. a dance intended for the display of special steps by an individual performer; also as v. intransitive.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > dancing > types of dance or dancing > tap- or step-dancing > [noun]
treble1805
clog-dance1881
step-dancing1886
step-dance1887
sand-dancea1894
soft-shoe1900
sand-dancing1905
tap-dancing1928
tap-dance1929
tap1944
tapping1944
society > leisure > dancing > types of dance or dancing > tap- or step-dancing > tap- or step-dance [verb (intransitive)]
step-dance1887
sand-dance1905
clog1925
tap-dance1929
soft-shoe1938
1887 R. Kipling Taking Lungtungpen in Civil & Mil. Gaz. 11 Apr. 3/3 Orth'ris began rowlin' his eyes an' crackin' his fingers an' dancin' a step-dance for to impress the Headman.
1946 D. Hamson We fell among Greeks xix. 204 The Bishop of Kozáni, who was in full regalia on the speaker's platform, executed a step-dance.
1950 A. Clarke Coll. Plays (1963) 297 It was younger than the mayflies That step-danced above it.
1969 in H. Halpert & G. M. Story Christmas Mumming in Newfoundland 67 Sometimes janneys ‘step-dance’.
step-dancer n.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > dancing > types of dance or dancing > tap- or step-dancing > [noun] > dancer
step-dancer1896
tap-dancer1927
stepper1934
1896 C. D. Stuart & A. J. Park Variety Stage iii. 42 The sentimental vocalist, the male impersonator..and the step-dancer were familiar performers.
1969 in H. Halpert & G. M. Story Christmas Mumming in Newfoundland 214 True step-dancers in ‘Coughlin Cove’ have learned their art from their fathers or grandfathers.
step-dancing n.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > dancing > types of dance or dancing > tap- or step-dancing > [noun]
treble1805
clog-dance1881
step-dancing1886
step-dance1887
sand-dancea1894
soft-shoe1900
sand-dancing1905
tap-dancing1928
tap-dance1929
tap1944
tapping1944
1886 St. James's Gaz. 25 Sept. 6/2 Have they learned ‘step-dancing’?
step-fashion adv. = stepwise adv. and adj.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > shape > other specific shapes > [adverb] > like steps
step-fashion1748
jumpingly1855
stepwise1888
1748 S. Richardson Clarissa VI. i. 2 Half a dozen..boys behind him, ranged gradatim, or step-fashion, according to age and size.
step-fault n. Geology one of a series of parallel faults with successive falls like steps; also, the compound fault comprising such a series.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > structure of the earth > structural features > discontinuity or unconformity > [noun] > fault > other types of fault
heave1802
reversed fault1852
reverse fault1865
step-fault1879
ring fracture1881
overfault1883
overlap fault1883
overthrust1883
trough fault1883
thrust1888
thrust-fault1889
offset1897
cross-fault1900
tear-fault1900
distributive fault1904
cross-break1909
slide1910
strike-slip fault1913
rift1921
splay fault1942
wrench fault1951
megashear1954
transform fault1965
transform1971
1879 Encycl. Brit. X. 305/2 Section of strata cut by step faults.
1884 Peach & Horne in Nature 13 Nov. 35/1 The very preservation of the Durness Basin is due to two normal step-faults.
step flaking n. Archaeology secondary flaking of a flint tool to produce a strong, ridged cutting edge.
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > relative time > the past > history or knowledge about the past > [noun] > archaeology > artefacts > methods of production
pressure flaking1902
step flaking1931
1931 R. A. Smith Sturge Coll. Flints from Britain 30 Implement of triangular section... There is some undercutting along both sides, sometimes called resolved flaking or step flaking.
1959 J. D. Clark Prehist. Southern Afr. vi. 146 The Fauresmith tools were made by using what is known as step flaking.
1971 World Archaeol. 3 161 Macroscopic inspection also revealed woodworking wear in the form of distinctive step-flaking (the result of progressive wear and resharpening of the working edge).
step function n. Mathematics and Electronics a function that increases or decreases abruptly from one constant value to another.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > physics > electromagnetic radiation > electronics > [noun] > graphs, functions, equations, etc.
static characteristic1900
Richardson equation1913
time constant1943
step function1946
1946 H. Cramér Math. Methods Statistics vi. 53 Any non-decreasing function..may be represented..as the sum of a step-function and an everywhere continuous function, both non-decreasing and uniquely determined.
1947 R. Lee Electronic Transformers & Circuits iv. 99 It is obtained by applying a step function voltage to the series R8L8C circuit.
1967 Oceanogr. & Marine Biol. 5 32 Assuming the sea to be at rest at t = 0, elevations were found due to northerly stress fields, the stress magnitude varying in time either exponentially, or as a step-function, or as a single half sine wave.
1971 J. H. Smith Digital Logic iv. 74 In the circuit described here the input signal is a step function.
step-gable n. = corbie-gable n. at corbie n. Compounds (cf. quot. 1833 at stepped adj. 1).
ΘΚΠ
society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > a building > parts of building > roof > [noun] > gable
gable1371
gable fork1371
piniona1400
gable end1596
festier1601
eagle1682
pignon1875
step-gable1921
1921 Glasgow Herald 8 Jan. 6 It is a whitewashed house, with step-gables.
step-gabled adj.
ΘΚΠ
society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > a building > parts of building > roof > [adjective] > gabled
fastigious1625
gabled1791
gable-topped1836
gableted1853
step-gabled1937
1937 Times Lit. Suppl. 18 Dec. 954/3 The step-gabled houses at Llanedwen.
1978 R. Fedden et al. Hughenden Manor (1980) 8 Its delightful step-gabled entrance, wood-strutted to the yard.
step-girl n. a girl who goes out cleaning doorsteps.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > cleanness and dirtiness > cleaning > cleaning house > [noun] > one who cleans steps
step-girl1884
stepper1884
1884 All Year Round 18 Oct. 32/1 It is not a pretty spectacle to see two girls—even step-girls—toss off their hats and jackets, and ‘go’ for each other in pugilistic fashion.
step-grate n. a furnace-grate having the bars arranged step-wise, to promote completeness of combustion.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > equipment > furnace or kiln > furnace > parts of furnace > [noun] > grate
fuel-bear1612
bing1674
step-grate1869
1869 W. Crookes & E. Röhrig Kerl's Pract. Treat. Metall. II. 372 Furnaces with Step Grates.
step iron n. an iron projection fixed into a wall or the like to serve as a support for the foot when ascending.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > equipment > ladder > [noun] > rung or step
stepc1000
gangOE
stavec1175
tine?c1225
ladder stalea1250
degreec1290
rungc1300
staffc1325
stairc1400
ladder stavec1440
scalec1440
roundc1450
stakec1450
sprang1527
staver1534
rundle1565
rave1566
roundel1585
rondel1616
ladder rung1620
rowel1652
spokea1658
stower1674
stale1714
rim1788
tread1838
through1899
step iron1912
1912 F. N. Taylor Main Drainage of Towns vii. 139 Step irons are let into the walls of the shaft.., but sometimes a small wrought-iron ladder is substituted.
1973 R. D. Symons Where Wagon Led xvi. 260 The wagon was swept down at right angles to the team. My neighbour yelled for the rope, which I threw. He caught the loop and fastened it to the step-iron.
step-like adj. like a step or a series of steps.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > shape > other specific shapes > [adjective] > shaped like steps or stairs
stairy1599
step-like1822
stepped1833
graded1850
1822 J. Parkinson Outl. Oryctol. 225 Ostrea scalarina:..with transverse,..step-like rugæ.
1855 D. T. Ansted in Orr's Circle Sci.: Inorg. Nature 170 The high step-like terraces, by which one may descend nearly to the water's edge.
step motor n. a stepping motor (see stepping adj.).
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > equipment > machine > machines which impart power > motor > [noun] > stepper
step motor1961
stepper1961
1961 E. M. Grabbe et al. Handbk. Automation, Computation, & Control III. xxii. 55 Small step motors have three to six times as much stall torque as the same size a-c servo motor.
1974 B. C. Kuo Theory & Applications of Step Motors i. 3 High-speed printers of up to 3000 lines per minute can be driven satisfactorily with step motors.
step pattern n. Art History a simple geometric pattern progressing in steps.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > the arts > visual arts > ornamental art and craft > pattern or design > [noun] > geometric
checkingc1440
checkc1450
chequer-work1519
pane?a1549
diaper-work1602
chevron1605
diapery1631
fret1664
tooth-work1681
polygram1696
chequer1779
reticulum1797
Grecque1832
checkery1837
gammadion1848
diaper1851
key pattern1853
diapering1866
Greek fret1872
rangoli1884
geometric1894
Greek key1897
step pattern1908
Mondrian1964
1908 Encycl. Relig. & Ethics I. 842/1 ‘Step’ patterns occur in the cloisonné settings of Teutonic jewels.
1959 E. A. Fisher Introd. Anglo-Saxon Archit. 74 The simple step pattern also was common in Celtic art of the pagan period, though it was rare in Celtic Christian art and may have been an independent invention of the Celtic people.
step-plate n. (a) Nautical in iron ships, a plate of iron upon which the mast-heel rests when fixed in position; (b) Mechanics a metal bearing.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > equipment > machine > parts of machines > shaft > [noun] > parts of > support or bearing
headstock1688
brass1731
bearing1734
carriage1788
step1814
bearance1826
footstep1836
cod1839
pivot bearing1851
roller bearing1857
thrust-bearing1858
step-plate1869
thrust-bearer1869
needle bearing1870
journal-bearing1875
wall-bearing1875
plain bearing1893
tumbler-bearing1901
split bearing1902
sleeve bearing1907
thrust-box1918
taper roller bearing1930
society > travel > travel by water > vessel, ship, or boat > equipment of vessel > masts, rigging, or sails > spar > [noun] > mast > socket in which mast is fitted
stepc1440
lutchet1825
mast-step1863
step-plate1869
tabernacle1877
1869 E. J. Reed Shipbuilding xv. 284 The mast steps of the new Indian troop-ships, in which the step-plate has been worked directly upon the inner-skin plating.
1869 W. J. M. Rankine Cycl. Machine & Hand-tools Pl.I 5 The two worms are..each of them provided with a spherically shaped step-plate, to insure a perfect fit on the rubbing surfaces next to the worms.
step printer n. Cinematography (see quots.)
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > the arts > performance arts > cinematography > printing > [noun] > printing machine
step printer1930
1930 Sel. Gloss. Motion Picture Techncian (Acad. Motion Pictures, Hollywood) Step printer, machine which prints a positive, a frame at a time.
1959 W. S. Sharps Dict. Cinematogr. 120/1 Step printer, a printer in which the film to be printed and the raw stock are moved intermittently, and are stationary whilst being exposed one frame at a time.
step print n.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > the arts > performance arts > cinematography > printing > [noun]
step print1960
step printing1960
1960 O. Skilbeck ABC of Film & TV Working Terms 125 Step Print. Most Positives are made on a continuous process machine in which they run in contact with the Negative; but for some purposes, step printing, Frame by frame, is used.
step print v. [as a back-formation] (transitive).
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > the arts > performance arts > cinematography > printing > print [verb (transitive)]
print1851
step print1953
strike1970
1953 K. Reisz Technique Film Editing xiii. 207 Shot 32..was too short for the present film and had to be step-printed to the needed length.
step printing n. [as a back-formation]
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > the arts > performance arts > cinematography > printing > [noun]
step print1960
step printing1960
1960 O. Skilbeck ABC of Film & TV Working Terms 125 Step Print. Most Positives are made on a continuous process machine in which they run in contact with the Negative; but for some purposes, step printing, Frame by frame, is used.
step-pyramid n. a monumental pyramid the faces of which are built so as to form a series of large steps.
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > death > obsequies > monument > [noun] > pyramid
pyramida1500
Great Pyramid1591
huaca1847
step-pyramid1886
1886 Encycl. Brit. XX. 124/1 The step-pyramid or cumulative mastaba.
step-rail n. a tramway-rail with raised outside tread for flanged wheels.
ΚΠ
1888 Encycl. Brit. XXIII. 506/1 The ‘step rail’..consisting of a flat surface..and a raised tread on the outer side.
step response n. the output of a device in response to a step input ( 18).
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > physics > electromagnetic radiation > electricity > voltage > [noun] > variation in voltage > response to
step response1959
1959 H. J. Zimmermann & S. J. Mason Electronic Circuit Theory viii. 368 (caption) Approximating the step response of a linear RC coupling circuit including stray capacitances.
1967 Electronics 6 Mar. 9/1 (advt.) Step response over the full 4½-inch span..is 40 milliseconds.
step rocket n. a rocket of two or more stages.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > air or space travel > a means of conveyance through the air > spacecraft > rocket > [noun]
rocket1919
moon rocket1921
space rocket1928
space gun1929
step rocket1932
ion rocket1936
photon rocket1949
rockoon1953
space launcher1955
launcher1958
cosmic rocket1959
ullage rocket1961
1932 D. Lasser Conquest of Space vi. 104 The step-rocket will ascend to a far greater height than a unit rocket of the same weight.
1946 Sun (Baltimore) 23 Dec. 2/4 The ‘Tiamat’ is a ‘step’ rocket—that is, it has a rocket booster mounted on its tail.
1966 H. O. Ruppe Introd. Astronautics I. ii. 26 Optimization of step rockets poses some very interesting problems.
step-roll n. (also step-roll collar) a rolled step-collar (cf. roll collar n. and adj.).
ΘΚΠ
the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > parts of clothing > [noun] > covering or next to neck > collar > types of
chevesailec1400
roll collar1832
coat-collar1833
bertha1842
step-roll1881
open-neck1894
step-collar1895
button-down1897
turtle-neck1897
Shakespeare collar1907
polo collar1909
shawl collar1913
polo neck1924
mandarin collar1952
petal collar1957
polo1967
1881 Record of Fashion 27 July 178/2 Step roll is the most suitable style for most of the goods now fashionable.
1901 P. N. Hasluck Tailoring 99 Step-roll collar vest.
step saver n. U.S. a kitchen designed to reduce the necessity of walking between units, etc.; also attributive in step-saver kitchen.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > food > food manufacture and preparation > equipment for food preparation > cooking establishment or kitchen > [noun] > other kitchens
back-kitchen1535
summer kitchen1632
cook-room1707
cellar kitchen1741
milk kitchen1922
eat-in kitchen1955
step saver1967
1967 Boston Sunday Globe 23 Apr. b59/3 The large kitchen..is a stepsaver when the dining room is being used.
1974 State (Columbia, S. Carolina) 1 Apr. 9- b/8 (advt.) Spanish style home includes 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, cozy den, patio, step saver kitchen with built-ins, enclosed garage and central air.
step-saving adj.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > food > food manufacture and preparation > equipment for food preparation > cooking establishment or kitchen > [adjective] > type of
step-saving1978
ghost2015
1978 Detroit Free Press 16 Apr. f9/5 (advt.) 4 bedroom Quad..featuring..step-saving kitchen with all built-ins.
step-stile n. a stile formed by steps projecting from a wall.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > means of travel > route or way > other means of passage or access > [noun] > stile > types of
stepping-stile1791
step-stile1904
1904 J. Derry Across Derbysh. Moors (ed. 3) xii. 116 A stone step-stile crosses the wall on the right close beyond Stony Ford.
step-stone n. (a) a stepping-stone; now dialect; (b) a stone forming a doorstep.
ΘΚΠ
society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > a building > parts of building > window or door > parts of door > [noun] > threshold or door-step
thresholdeOE
hirst1513
groundsel1523
treadsole1543
door-sill1570
sill1600
step-stone1605
doorstep1810
society > travel > means of travel > route or way > other means of passage or access > [noun] > stepping-stone
stepping-stonec1325
step-stone1868
1605 in J. Harland House & Farm Accts. Shuttleworths (1856) I. 169 For xv steppstonnes for the starres of the said stable (vijd the steppe) viijs ixd.
1868 M. H. Smith Sunshine & Shadow in N.Y. 136 Ten men could not put her off that step-stone.
step-stool n. a stool which can convert into a short stepladder.
ΘΚΠ
society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > a building > furniture and fittings > seat > stool > [noun] > other stools
standing stool1578
Turkey stool1640
back-stool1762
bar-stool1922
riempie stool1933
step-stool1966
1966 J. Potts Footsteps on Stairs (1967) iii. 38 Hazel had to laugh, just at the sight of him up there on the step-stool.
step wedge n. Photography a line of contiguous rectangles each of a uniform neutral shade but getting progressively darker from white (or light grey) at one end to black (or dark grey) at the other; also transferred.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > the arts > visual arts > photography > a photograph > qualities and effects > [noun] > contrast, etc.
high contrast1895
gamma1903
contrast1911
step wedge1931
1931 Philos. Trans. (Royal Soc.) A. 230 91 The intensities were estimated by covering part of the lines with a step-wedge of aluminium foil..and making use of the known absorption-coefficient of aluminium for CuKα rays.
1936 F. R. Newens Technique Colour Photogr. (ed. 2) iii. 39 The print from the blue filter negative will show less contrast than the others... If the white end of the step wedge is white, then the black end will only be a dark grey.
1962 Which? May 135/1 A black and white film's characteristic curve can be obtained by photographing a grey step wedge..and measuring the densities of the grey steps in the picture in relation to their known real densities.
1971 Jrnl. Oil & Colour Chemists' Assoc. 54 881 A method of achieving this was evolved using a step-wedge produced by gradually increasing the exposure in strips across the film.
step-vein n. (see quot. 1881).
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > minerals > mineral deposits > [noun] > vein > step- or fault-vein
step-vein1881
fault-vein1886
1881 Trans. Amer. Inst. Mining Engineers 1880–1 9 182 Step-vein, a vein alternately cutting through the strata of country-rock, and running parallel with them.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > equipment > building and constructing equipment > fastenings > [noun] > lock > part of lock > ward
wardc1440
main-ward1678
step-ward1678
hook-ward1688
wheel1784
bridgeward1856
1678 J. Moxon Mech. Exercises I. ii. 22 In Fig. 3. AAAA the Cover-plate [of a spring-lock],..E the Step ward, or Dap ward. In Fig. 4. A the Pin-hole [of a key], B the Step or Dap ward.
1797 Encycl. Brit. X. 111/2 To the cover-plate belong the pin, main-ward, cross-ward, step-ward or dap-ward.
step-way n. a way up or down a flight of steps.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > means of travel > route or way > way, passage, or means of access to a place > [noun] > passage formed by steps
step-way1810
1810 Act 50 George III (Public Local & Personal Acts, c. 41) 51 Cellar-grate step-way or hatch-way.
1906 H. G. Wells In Days of Comet i. i. 26 We walked together..up the stepway and the lanes towards Clayton Crest.
step-wheel n. a wheel with an edge formed in twelve steps arranged spirally, used in striking-clocks.
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > instruments for measuring time > clock > [noun] > part(s) of
nut1428
peise1428
plumbc1450
Jack1498
clockwork1516
larum1542
Jack of the clockhouse1563
watch-wheel1568
work1570
plummeta1578
Jack of the clock1581
snail-cam1591
snail-work1591
pointer1596
quarter jack1604
mainspring1605
winder1606
notch-wheel1611
fusee1622
count-wheel1647
jack-wheel1647
frame1658
arbor1659
balance1660
fuse1674
hour-figure1675
stop1675
pallet1676
regulator1676
cock1678
movement1678
detent1688
savage1690
clock1696
pinwheel1696
starred wheel1696
swing-wheel1696
warning-wheel1696
watch1696
watch-part1696
hoop-wheel1704
hour-wheel1704
snail1714
step-wheel1714
tide-work1739
train1751
crutch1753
cannon pinion1764
rising board1769
remontoire1774
escapement1779
clock jack1784
locking plate1786
scapement1789
motion work1795
anchor escapement1798
scape1798
star-wheel1798
recoil escapement1800
recoiling pallet1801
recoiling scapement1801
cannon1802
hammer-tail1805
recoiling escapement1805
bottle jack1810
renovating spring1812
quarter-boy1815
pin tooth1817
solar wheel1819
impulse-teeth1825
pendulum wheel1825
pallet arbor1826
rewinder1826
rack hook1829
snail-wheel1831
quarter bell1832
tow1834
star pulley1836
watch train1838
clock train1843
raising-piece1843
wheelwork1843
gravity escapement1850
jumper1850
vertical escapement1850
time train1853
pin pallet1860
spade1862
dead well1867
stop-work1869
ringer1873
strike-or-silent1875
warning-piece1875
guard-pin1879
pendulum cock1881
warning-lever1881
beat-pin1883
fusee-piece1884
fusee-snail1884
shutter1884
tourbillion1884
tumbler1884
virgule1884
foliot1899
grasshopper1899
grasshopper escapement1899
trunk1899
pin lever1908
clock spring1933
1714 W. Derham Artific. Clock-maker (ed. 3) i. 7 The Snail, or Step-Wheel in Repeating-Clocks.
C2. Combinations with an adverb, as step-back, step-down, step-up = an act of stepping backwards, etc.
ΚΠ
1603 J. Florio tr. M. de Montaigne Ess. iii. xiii. 658 I begin to perceive a dimnes and weaknes in reading... Loe—heere a steppe-backe, and that very sensible.
1833 Regulations Instr. Cavalry i. i. 18 The ‘Step Back’ is performed in the slow time and length of pace, from the halt.
Draft additions March 2003
= step aerobics n. at Additions. Chiefly attributive in step class, step training, etc.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > gymnastics > exercise > [noun] > specific systems
callisthenics1827
Swedish gymnastics1890
monkey drill1895
Swedish movements1899
Swedish exercises1912
Swedish drill1916
sexercise1942
jogging1948
isometrics1962
dancercise1967
slimnastics1967
aerobics1968
aquacise1968
survival1972
popmobility1974
plyometrics1975
Jazzercise1976
Pilates1981
Callanetics1984
boxercise1985
step aerobics1985
survivalism1985
box aerobics1987
cardio1987
step1989
spinning1994
1989 Newsday (N.Y.) 16 Dec. ii. 7/2 The conclusion was that the energy benefits of step training were virtually the same as running at seven miles an hour because of the effort needed to raise and lower the center of gravity.
1993 Flare Aug. 20/1 Low impact, step, body sculpting..there seem to be a million ways to sweat these days.
1996 F. Popcorn & L. Marigold Clicking iii. 358 Compare their mini-world to Jane Fonda's or even Richard Simmons's with their library of videos, lines of workout clothes, step accessories, tapes.
2001 N.Y. Times 8 July ix. 1/2 On a recent Monday evening, with a step class in progress, a spinning class about to begin and every treadmill occupied, four men argued over a squash court reservation.
Draft additions March 2003
step aerobics n. a type of aerobic exercise that involves stepping up on to and down from a low portable block, typically performed in time with music.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > gymnastics > exercise > [noun] > specific systems
callisthenics1827
Swedish gymnastics1890
monkey drill1895
Swedish movements1899
Swedish exercises1912
Swedish drill1916
sexercise1942
jogging1948
isometrics1962
dancercise1967
slimnastics1967
aerobics1968
aquacise1968
survival1972
popmobility1974
plyometrics1975
Jazzercise1976
Pilates1981
Callanetics1984
boxercise1985
step aerobics1985
survivalism1985
box aerobics1987
cardio1987
step1989
spinning1994
1985 Record (Bergen County, New Jersey) 18 Aug. f14/4 Step-aerobics is tailored for those who find regular aerobic workouts too strenuous.
1992 Premiere Feb. 100/3 Jodie would be a megaseller, because all the women I know would bring her to step aerobics.
2000 Monitor (Kampala) 28 Apr. 18/3 The gym where I teach step aerobics, a habit I took up in the days when I identified more with my mother's than my father's people.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1916; most recently modified version published online June 2022).
stepn.2
colloquial.
= stepfather n., stepmother n., stepson n., etc.
ΘΚΠ
society > society and the community > kinship or relationship > kinsman or relation > child > [noun] > stepchild
stepchilda1375
stepbairn1535
step1895
society > society and the community > kinship or relationship > kinsman or relation > child > son > [noun] > stepson
stepsonc725
son-in-law1566
privign1606
step1895
society > society and the community > kinship or relationship > kinsman or relation > sibling > brother > [noun] > stepbrother
stepbrother1440
step1933
society > society and the community > kinship or relationship > kinsman or relation > parent > mother > [noun] > stepmother
stepmotherc725
stepdamea1387
mother-in-law1516
motherc1546
noverka1600
step-parent1840
step1939
society > society and the community > kinship or relationship > kinsman or relation > parent > father > [noun] > stepfather
stepfatherc825
stepsirea1400
father-in-law1538
step-parent1840
step1954
society > society and the community > kinship or relationship > kinsman or relation > parent > [noun] > step-parent
step1971
1895 C. M. Yonge Long Vac. ii. 15 Anyone would have thought those poor boys were her steps, not good old Lamb's.
1913 B. S. Rowntree & M. Kendall How Labourer Lives iii. 227 There are three ‘steps’, Mr. Hopwood's children by a former marriage.
1933 G. Heyer Why shoot Butler? ii. 23 ‘You should not encourage your friend to talk disloyally about her brother.’.. ‘He's only a “step”.’
1939 A. Thirkell Before Lunch ii. 43 She's an angel. Not a bit like a step. I really think she married father so that she could look after Denis and take me about a bit.
1954 E. Eager Half Magic 155 Step,..short for step-father.
1971 O. Norton Corpse-bird Cries iv. 68 They're not her natural parents. They're both steps.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1986; most recently modified version published online March 2019).
stepv.
/stɛp/, U.S. /stɛp/ I. Intransitive.† 4. In past participle.† b. far stepped: far advanced in (an action, attainment, etc.). Obsolete.
1.
a. To lift the foot and set it down again on the ground in a new position; to lift and set down the feet alternately in walking; to pace, tread. With adverb: To use a (specified) gait or motion of the feet (often of a horse: cf. sense 6). to step short (Mil.): see quots. 1802, 1859.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > progressive motion > walking > walk, tread, or step [verb (intransitive)]
stepOE
bistepa1250
to set footc1300
treada1400–50
foota1425
trade1547
stride1596
ambulate1598
purmeinea1614
walka1628
conculcate1657
to tread the ground1691
toddle1819
sashay1878
the world > movement > progressive motion > walking > walk, tread, or step [verb (intransitive)] > step up, down, or across
stepOE
to make a step1532
the world > animals > mammals > group Ungulata (hoofed) > family Equidae (general equines) > horse defined by speed or gait > [verb (intransitive)] > step well or with long strides
sling1808
step1829
OE Cynewulf Juliana 374 Ic hine þæs swiþe synnum onæle þæt he byrnende from gebede swiceð, stepeð stronglice, staþolfæst ne mæg fore leahtra lufan lenge gewunian in gebedstowe.
c1000 Ælfric Gram. (Z.) xxix. 185 Gradior, ic stæppe.
c1220 Bestiary 10 in Old Eng. Misc. Alle hise fet steppes After him he filleð, Draȝ eð dust wið his stert ðer he steppeð.
c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Calig.) (1978) l. 9192 Ac we scullen steppen [c1300 Otho stap] heom to swa we stelen wolden.
1377 W. Langland Piers Plowman B. v. 352 He myȝte neither steppe [C text stappe] ne stonde er he his staffe hadde.
c1386 G. Chaucer Reeve's Tale 154 Stepe on thy feet, com out, man, al atanes!
a1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomaeus Anglicus De Proprietatibus Rerum (BL Add. 27944) (1975) II. xviii. xcvi. 1247 Þe ape acordeþ in schappe wiþ a man... And may go and steppe on tweye feet for þey haue soles in here feet as a man haþ.
1399 W. Langland Richard Redeles iii. 54 As sone as þey styffe and þat þey steppe kunne.
1570 P. Levens Manipulus Vocabulorum sig. Fiiv/1 To Steppe, gradi, gressus ponere.
1727 H. Bland Treat. Mil. Discipline 45 Those who Faced step with their left Feet towards the Rear.
1802 C. James New Mil. Dict. To Step, to move forward or backward, by a single change of the place of the foot... To step short..is to diminish or slacken your pace.
1821 J. Clare Village Minstrel I. 8 Soft would he step lest they his tread should hear.
1829 E. Bulwer-Lytton Disowned II. vi. 69 And now tell me all about your horse, does he step well?
1859 F. A. Griffiths Artillerist's Man. (1862) 6 In slow or quick time the length of a pace is 30 inches,..in ‘stepping short’ 10.
b. with cognate obj. (a step, stride, etc.).
ΚΠ
a1023 Wulfstan Homilies lviii. 302/27 Ælc þæra stæpa and fotlæsta, þe we to cyricean weard..gestæppað.
c1290 S. Eng. Leg. 6/182 Euerech stape þat we stepen for-barnde onder ore fet.
1802 G. Colman Broad Grins 122 He couldn't help, at every step he stepp'd, Grunting, and grumbling.
1821 W. Scott Kenilworth I. iii. 59 Nay, without expecting either pleasure or profit, or both, I had not stepped a stride within this manor.
1893 R. Kipling Many Inventions 209 I rose and stepped three paces into the rukh.
c. To move with measured paces in a dance. Also quasi-transitive, to go through the steps of, perform (a dance).
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > dancing > [verb (intransitive)]
frikec1000
sail1297
dancec1300
sault1377
tripc1386
balea1400
hopc1405
foota1425
tracec1425
sallyc1440
to dance a fita1500
fling1528
to tread a measure, a dance1577
trip1578
traverse1584
move1594
to shake heels1595
to shake it1595
firk1596
tripudiate1623
pettitoe1651
step1698
jink1718
to stand up1753
bejig1821
to toe and heel (it)1828
morris1861
hoof1925
terp1945
1698 E. Ward London Spy I. ii. 16 A Vintners Daughter bred at the Dancing-School,..steps a Minuet finely.
1864 Ld. Tennyson Aylmer's Field in Enoch Arden, etc. 61 A stiff brocade in which..she, Once with this kinsman,..Stept thro' the stately minuet of those days.
1878 B. Taylor Prince Deukalion iii. i. 95 Step to the music of the song I gave, My Poet, homeward!
1893 Chambers's Jrnl. 19 Aug. 518/1 He stepped a minuet gravely and gracefully.
d. Phrase. as good (etc.) a man as ever stepped (in shoe leather).
ΚΠ
1818 Lady Morgan in Passages from Autobiogr. (1859) 119 As good a lad as ever stepped in shoe-leather.
1834 Westm. Rev. 20 495 Major Fancourt, as fine a young aristocrat as steps.
2. figurative.1715 A. Pope tr. Homer Iliad I. Pref. Let them think..that they are stepping almost three thousand Years backward into the remotest Antiquity.
a. To move to a new position by extending the foot to a higher or lower level or across an intervening object or space (e.g. in entering or leaving a carriage or boat, ascending or descending stairs); with adverb or preposition, as across, in, into, off, out of, on or upon, over, up (see also branches III and IV). to step short, to make an insufficiently long stride, so that the foot fails to reach the intended position.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > progressive motion > walking > walk, tread, or step [verb (intransitive)] > with insufficiently long stride
to step short1706
897 K. Ælfred tr. Gregory Pastoral Care xiii. 77 Ðylæs he ofer ðone ðerscold his endebyrdnesse stæppe.
c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Calig.) (1978) l. 15992 He..somnede alle þa scipen..and þohte mid strengðe steppen [c1300 Otho stappe] to londe.
c1330 (?a1300) Sir Tristrem (1886) l. 2865 Her hors apolk stap in.
c1480 (a1400) St. George 259 in W. M. Metcalfe Legends Saints Sc. Dial. (1896) II. 183 He one horse gat stepande.
1706 S. Centlivre Love at Venture i. 3 A Lady designing to Land at White-Hall Stairs, stepping short from the Boat, fell into the Water.
1801 J. Thomson Poems Sc. Dial. 149 They'll get for crossin' o' a street, Or stappin' up a stair, Five gude red guineas at a heat.
1823 S. Smith Wks. (1859) II. 21/2 A boat from shore reached the ship, and from it stepped a clerk of the Bank of England.
1860 J. Tyndall Glaciers of Alps i. xi. 70 It was necessary to step from a projecting end of ice to a mass of soft snow.
1860 J. Tyndall Glaciers of Alps i. xvii. 119 Retaining my boots [I] stepped upon the floating ice.
1886 C. E. Pascoe London of To-day (ed. 3) xxxiv. 302 He might..get to the Royal Exchange without once stepping off the pavement.
1890 R. Bridges Shorter Poems iii. vii And in our boat we stepped and took the stream.
b. to step astray, awry, †beside: to move from the straight or proper path (literal and figurative). See also to step aside at Phrasal verbs 1.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > aspects of travel > travel in specific course or direction > direct one's course [verb (intransitive)] > stray or go astray
dwelec900
miswendOE
to fare astray (misliche, amiss)c1175
to step astray, awry, beside1297
weyec1315
outrayc1330
strayc1330
waivea1375
forvay1390
outwandera1400
stragglea1425
waverc1485
wander?1507
swerve1543
wift?a1560
random1561
estray1572
egar1584
to go a-strayinga1586
to step aside1787
err1819
moider1839
maverick1910
1297 R. Gloucester's Chron. (Rolls) 6897 Ȝif heo quakieþ Oþer stepþ biside.
1592 Arden of Feversham i. 373 I cannot speak or cast aside my eye, But he Imagines I haue stept awry.
1598 T. Bastard Chrestoleros v. xxxiii. 124 He steps awrie, and fals in to Aiax.
1667 J. Dryden Annus Mirabilis 1666 cclxv. 67 If my heedless Youth has stept astray.
c. Of an electromechanical device: to move a small, fixed distance in response to an input pulse.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > physics > electromagnetic radiation > electricity > electrical engineering > motor > move in response [verb (intransitive)]
step1957
1957 H. H. Goode & R. E. Machol Syst. Engin. iv. 48 The switch steps up through the various banks, taking 0·1 sec to arrive at the first and 0·1 sec to go to each succeeding one.
1958 J. G. Truxal Control Engineers' Handbk. v. 69 Besides stepping relays and the Ledex rotary solenoid, few digital devices are available that can step from one point to another rapidly enough to be useful as a control-system output actuator.
1964 IEEE Trans. Automatic Control IX. 98/1 The idea of mechanically stepping in angle goes as far back as the clock escapement.
1974 B. C. Kuo Theory & Applications of Step Motors i. 4 Many solenoid type motors can step only in one direction.
1978 R. P. Hunger Automated Process Control Syst. xiv. 328 The VR stepper requires its windings to be energized in the proper sequence for predictable operation. Also, it can be made to step bidirectionally.
3. figurative.1882 M. Oliphant Lit. Hist. Eng. I. 3 All is not absolute good or advantage to the human race; but yet the race is stepping onward.† d. figurative. To advance, proceed (in an action, argument, etc.). Obsolete.
a. In a more general sense: To go or proceed on foot. Now chiefly, to go a ‘step’ or short distance for a particular purpose: often in polite formulas of request or direction to another person. The direction, etc. is indicated by an adverb or preposition phr.: for further illustration of these see branches III and IV.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > aspects of travel > going on foot > go on foot [verb (intransitive)]
treadc897
stepc900
goeOE
gangOE
walka1375
wanderc1380
foota1425
to take to footc1440
awalkc1540
trade1547
beat it on the hoof1570
pad1610
to be (also beat, pad) upon the hoofa1616
trample1624
to pad (also pad upon) the hoof1683
ambulate1724
shank1773
stump it1803
pedestrianize1811
pedestrianate1845
tramp it1862
ankle1916
c900 tr. Bede Eccl. Hist. (1890) iii. xiv. 196 Se cyning..stop ofostlice toforan [þam] biscope & feoll to his fotum.
1297 R. Gloucester's Chron. (Rolls) 6293 Is armes he gan to caste & wiþ gret ernest step ner & asailede edmond vaste.
c1300 K. Horn (Laud) 1392 Þe knyt to hem gan steppe.
a1400 Octouian 1435 Clement ner þe stede stapte.
c1460 (?c1400) Tale of Beryn Prol. l. 192 And sith [then] to the dynerward, they gan[ne] for to stappe.
1581 J. Marbeck Bk. Notes & Common Places 287 S. Luke had before declared that the Apostles did not step from Hierusalem.
1594 T. Kyd tr. R. Garnier Cornelia v. 324 I stept to him To haue embrac'd him.
1705 C. Cibber Careless Husband v. v. 59 Step with this to my Lady Graveairs. [Seals the Letter and gives it to the Servant.]
1705 E. Ward Hudibras Redivivus I. iv. 12 Who should step by, but Doctor Trotter.
1709 R. Steele Tatler No. 88. ⁋12 The Gentlewoman of the next House begged me to step thither.
1722 F. Atterbury Let. 6 Apr. in A. Pope Corr. (1956) II. 114 I may step to Town to morrow, to see how the work goes forward.
1794 E. Inchbald Wedding Day i. ii. 7 Your guardian is just stept home, to bring his wife to dine with us.
1835 F. Lieber Lett. to Gent. in Germany I. 262 Passengers who have not paid their passage, please to step to the captain's office!
1837 T. Carlyle French Revol. I. v. v. 258 Besenval, before retiring for the night, has stept over to old M. de Sombreuil, of the Hôtel des Invalides hard by.
1850 Ld. Tennyson Princess (ed. 3) 130 Stole a maiden from her place, Lightly to the warrior stept.
1857 W. Collins Dead Secret I. iii. iv. 184 Will you step this way, and see her at once, sir?
b. with adverbial accusative.
ΚΠ
1885 R. Bridges Eros & Psyche viii. i. 92 [She] chose to step the most deserted ways.
1892 G. Meredith Sage Enamoured in Poet. Wks. (1912) 382 She stepped her way benevolently grave.
c. to step and (do something). Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > aspects of travel > going on foot > go on foot [verb (intransitive)] > with specific purpose
to step and1705
protest-march1958
1705 C. Cibber Careless Husband iv. i. 46 What say you, Ladies, shall we step and see what's done at the Basset-Table?
1764 S. Foote Patron iii. 61 My good girl, will you step, and take care that when any body comes the servants may not be out of the way.
1802 E. Parsons Myst. Visit IV. 3 I shall step and visit my patient.
1853 C. Dickens Bleak House xlv. 434 Would you step and speak to Mr. Jarndyce!
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > continuing > progress, advance, or further continuance > progress or advance in an action [verb (intransitive)]
wadec1374
passc1387
proceeda1393
followa1400
to pass ona1400
to get forward1523
pace1597
step1599
to get on1655
to get along1768
to tide one's way1827
to come along1844
press1870
1599 J. Hayward 1st Pt. Henrie IIII 65 In priuate attempts a man may step and stope when he please.
1611 G. H. tr. Anti-Coton 7 In the Chapter following, hee steps yet one degree farther.
1616 R. Johnson tr. G. Botero Relations Famous Kingdoms World (new ed.) 177 Yet are they..maintainers of their Honours and Families; wherein they step so far as if true gentrie were incorporat with them.
1620 Horæ Subseciuæ 107 Liberality is a Vertue, and so is Parsimony within their seueral bounds, but the error is, when the one steps, or the other declines too neere the contrary.
1644 J. Milton Doctr. Divorce (ed. 2) 75 Thus farre by others is already well stept, to inform us that divorce is not a matter of Law but of Charity.
e. step-and-repeat adjectival phrase. In photographic printing, etc., involving or pertaining to a procedure in which performance of an operation and progressive movement of something involved in it occur alternately. Also absol.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > printing > specific methods or processes > [adjective] > others
stereotype1801
glyphographic1843
phototypographic1890
step-and-repeat1933
electrographic1942
electronographic1946
flexographic1952
photoset1959
screenless1980
1933 N. Montague in W. Atkins Art & Pract. Printing III. xii. 91 The second method consists of exposing a negative on to a coated plate, moving it a definite distance, exposing again and repeating the process... Thus by means of this ‘step and repeat’ method..one negative may be used for printing a large number of copies.
1954 J. Southward Mod. Printing (ed. 7) II. xxxv. 388 The key forme is now made up..for step and repeat.
1967 E. Chambers Photolitho-offset vi. 65 Where multiple repeats are required with great precision step-and-repeat machines are necessary. These are most versatile, and can be used for multi-negative work for postage stamps, labels, cheque backgrounds and the like.
1977 J. Hedgecoe Photographer's Handbk. 256 (heading) Step-and-repeat images.
a. (well, far, etc.) stepped in age, in or into years: advanced in years, elderly.
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > source or principle of life > age > old age > [adjective] > old (of beings, etc.)
oldeOE
winteredeOE
oldlyOE
over-oldOE
eldernc1175
at-oldc1200
stricken on, in age, in eldec1380
oldlya1382
(well, far, etc.) stepped in age, in or into yearsc1386
ancientc1400
aged1420
well-agedc1450
ripec1480
passing oldc1485
(well) shot in years1530
old aged1535
agey1547
Ogygian1567
strucken1576
oldish1580
stricken in yearsa1586
declined1591
far1591
struck1597
Nestorian1605
overripe1605
elderly1611
eld1619
antiquated1631
enaged1631
thorough-old1639
emerita1643
grandevous1647
magnaevous1727
badgerly1753
(as) old as the hills1819
olden days1823
crusted1833
long in the tooth1841
oldened1854
mature1867
over the hill1950
c1386 G. Chaucer Nun's Priest's Tale 1 A poure wydwe, somdel stape [v.r. stope] in Age.
c1386 G. Chaucer Merch. T. 270 And trewely it is an heigh corage Of any man that stapen [v.r. stopen] is in age To take a yong wyf.
1513 G. Douglas tr. Virgil Æneid vi. v. 23 Allthocht he eildit was, or step in age.
c1530 Court of Love 281 This old, Thus fer y-stope in yeres.
1562 G. Legh Accedens of Armory 69 Certaine knyghtes..beynge sore brused, lamed, and well steppte into yeares.
1593 T. Nashe Strange Newes in Wks. (Grosart) II. 253 Shores wife is yong, though you be stept in yeares.
1603 P. Holland tr. Plutarch Morals 493 Hellanicus, a man very farre stept in age.
1629 T. Hobbes tr. Thucydides Eight Bks. Peloponnesian Warre i. 4 Such of the Rich as were any thing stepped into yeeres.
1629 tr. Herodian Hist. (1635) 112 He was now well stept in yeares.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > continuing > progress, advance, or further continuance > progress [phrase] > far advanced in
far stepped1594
1594 R. Carew tr. J. Huarte Exam. Mens Wits x. 145 Not so far stept in perfection as the former.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Taming of Shrew (1623) i. ii. 82 Since we are stept thus farre in, I will continue that I broach'd in iest. View more context for this quotation
a1616 W. Shakespeare Macbeth (1623) iii. iv. 136 I am in blood Stept in so farre. View more context for this quotation
5. colloquial. To go away, make off. Cf. sense 3c. Also to step it.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > going away > go away [verb (intransitive)] > go away suddenly or hastily
fleec825
runOE
swervea1225
biwevec1275
skip1338
streekc1380
warpa1400
yerna1400
smoltc1400
stepc1460
to flee (one's) touch?1515
skirr1548
rubc1550
to make awaya1566
lope1575
scuddle1577
scoura1592
to take the start1600
to walk off1604
to break awaya1616
to make off1652
to fly off1667
scuttle1681
whew1684
scamper1687
whistle off1689
brush1699
to buy a brush1699
to take (its, etc.) wing1704
decamp1751
to take (a) French leave1751
morris1765
to rush off1794
to hop the twig1797
to run along1803
scoot1805
to take off1815
speela1818
to cut (also make, take) one's lucky1821
to make (take) tracks (for)1824
absquatulize1829
mosey1829
absquatulate1830
put1834
streak1834
vamoose1834
to put out1835
cut1836
stump it1841
scratch1843
scarper1846
to vamoose the ranch1847
hook1851
shoo1851
slide1859
to cut and run1861
get1861
skedaddle1862
bolt1864
cheese it1866
to do a bunkc1870
to wake snakes1872
bunk1877
nit1882
to pull one's freight1884
fooster1892
to get the (also to) hell out (of)1892
smoke1893
mooch1899
to fly the coop1901
skyhoot1901
shemozzle1902
to light a shuck1905
to beat it1906
pooter1907
to take a run-out powder1909
blow1912
to buzz off1914
to hop it1914
skate1915
beetle1919
scram1928
amscray1931
boogie1940
skidoo1949
bug1950
do a flit1952
to do a scarper1958
to hit, split or take the breeze1959
to do a runner1980
to be (also get, go) ghost1986
c1460 (?c1400) Tale of Beryn l. 2433 Beryn gan to stappe, he sparid for no cost.
1859 J. C. Hotten Dict. Slang 102 Step it, to run away or make off.
1861 H. Mayhew London Labour (new ed.) III. 198/1 After I had been with him about three months more I ‘stept it’ again.
1902 Munsey's Mag. 24 851/2 Well, I must be stepping... It's getting late.
6. Of a horse: To go at a good pace. Also ocularly of persons. Cf. to step out at Phrasal verbs 1.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > rate of motion > swiftness > going swiftly on foot > go swiftly on foot [verb (intransitive)]
to stir one's stumpsa1500
to leg it?1587
skelp1721
split1790
to show a leg1818
to go the pace1829
step1856
the world > animals > mammals > group Ungulata (hoofed) > family Equidae (general equines) > horse defined by speed or gait > [verb (intransitive)] > move swiftly
prickc1300
to prick and prancea1393
spank1811
step1856
rake1862
1856 ‘The Druid’ Post & Paddock x. 176 The gentler sex seem to step along quite as briskly as their companions.
1857 T. Hughes Tom Brown's School Days i. iv. 93 How that ere cob did step!
1891 ‘S. C. Scrivener’ Our Fields & Cities xii. 95 She could ‘step’ as well as dress herself, and we were very soon on the Hertford road.
7. Nautical and Mechanics. Of a mast or other upright: To be fixed in its step. Of other parts: To be fixed or jointed in or into (a groove, etc.); to rest securely on or against (a support).
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > support > [verb (intransitive)] > be supported
rideOE
restOE
to sit upon ——1481
rely1572
stay1585
to sit on ——1605
seat1607
bottoma1640
step1791
heel1850
bed1875
the world > relative properties > wholeness > mutual relation of parts to whole > fastening > condition of being fast bound or firmly fixed > be made fast or fixed [verb (intransitive)] > be fastened or fixed > in a groove or support
step1791
1791 J. Smeaton Narr. Edystone Lighthouse §81 The lower end of the shores stepping against some hole or prominence of the rock.
1797 Encycl. Brit. XVII. 395/2 The quarter~piece.., the heel of which must step on the after end of the middle stool.
1797 Encycl. Brit. XVII. 403/1 The partners on the lower deck, wherein the capstan steps.
1850 J. Greenwood Sailor's Sea-bk. 119 Foot-space rail, the rail..in which the balusters step.
1869 E. J. Reed Shipbuilding iv. 61 The outer keel-plate..steps up into a rabbet in the side.
8. colloquial. To clean doorsteps.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > cleanness and dirtiness > cleaning > cleaning house > clean house [verb (intransitive)] > clean steps
step1884
1884 All Year Round 18 Oct. 29/2 A housewife..who will habitually do her own stepping, sublimely regardless of what Mrs. Grundy may say.
1884 All Year Round 18 Oct. 31/1 Or again..they ‘step’ for houses that are practically in a state of siege.
II. Transitive (causal, or by omission of preposition).1863 W. C. Baldwin Afr. Hunting ix. 439 To give myself a good idea in rifle-shooting at game, I have been for years constantly judging and stepping off distances.
9. To move (the foot) forward or through a specified step. Chiefly with adverbs, as down, in, across. to step foot in (a place). Now only U.S.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > progressive motion > walking > walk upon or tread [verb (transitive)] > take (a step) > move (the foot) in stepping
step1540
the world > movement > progressive motion > walking > walk upon or tread [verb (transitive)]
to step (up)on ——OE
beatOE
treadc1384
betread1495
overwalk1533
foot1557
walk1574
trample1595
reiterate1648
to step foot in1864
pound1890
1540 J. Palsgrave tr. G. Gnapheus Comedye of Acolastus v. v. sig. Aaivv Steppe not one foote forth of this place.
a1547 Earl of Surrey Poems (1964) 22 Good ladies,..Stepp in your foote, come take a place, and mourne with me awhyle.
1702 H. Blackwell Eng. Fencing-master 51 Engage him in Carte, disingage in Tierce, stepping your Right-Foot a-cross at the same time.
1849 G. Cupples Green Hand (1856) xiii. 130 Stepping one of his long trowser-legs down from over the quarterdeck awning.
1864 R. B. Kimball Was he Successful? ii. i. 182 When Hiram stepped foot in the metropolis.
1880 S. G. W. Benjamin Troy i. iv. 26 (Funk) Calchas announced that the first man who stepped foot on the enemy's soil was doomed at once to die.
10. To measure (a distance) by stepping over it. Also with off, out.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > measurement > measurement of length > measure (off) a length or distance [verb (transitive)] > by pacing or striding
pacec1550
step1831
stride1834
1831 S. Warren in Blackwood's Edinb. Mag. May 817/2 The work of loading being completed, and the distance—six paces—duly stepped out.
1842 S. Lover Handy Andy iii I, that have stepped more ground and arranged more affairs [sc. duels] than any man in the country!
1856 C. M. Yonge Daisy Chain ii. xi. 456 ‘Hardly space enough I should say,’ replied Dr. Spencer, stepping it out.
1859 J. M. Jephson & L. Reeve Narr. Walking Tour Brittany xii. 210 I endeavoured to calculate its size by stepping it, and found that the capping-stone measured twelve of my strides.
11. Nautical and Mechanics. To fix (a mast or other upright) in or into its step; to fit (a piece) into (a groove, etc.); to fix securely on or against (a support).
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > wholeness > mutual relation of parts to whole > fastening > condition of being fast bound or firmly fixed > make fast [verb (transitive)] > fasten or fix > in a groove or on a support
step1711
1711 W. Sutherland Ship-builders Assistant 37 The most convenient Place for stepping every Mast.
1753 T. Woodroofe in J. Hanway Hist. Acct. Brit. Trade Caspian Sea I. xvii. 113 We stept our masts and bowsprit.
1815 W. Burney Falconer's New Universal Dict. Marine (rev. ed.) To Step a Boat's Mast, is to erect and secure it in readiness for setting sail.
1856 E. K. Kane Arctic Explor. II. xvi. 171 It [the mast] was stepped into an oaken thwart.
1874 S. J. P. Thearle Naval Archit. (new ed.) I. 196 It was customary to dispose the knight head, stem piece, and hawse timbers in a fore and aft plane, stepping their heels against the foremost canted frame that heeled against the deadwood.
1879 R. Jefferies Wild Life 195 These sheds are..supported..by a row of wooden pillars stepped on stones to keep them from rotting.
1892 Daily News 24 Oct. 2/6 The new flagstaff..at Windsor Castle was successfully stepped..on Saturday afternoon.
12. Mechanics. To cut steps in (a key); to arrange (the teeth of a toothed wheel or rack) stepwise.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > industry > manufacturing processes > making of other specific articles or materials > make other specific articles or materials [verb (transitive)] > process in making keys
step1856
society > occupation and work > equipment > machine > parts of machines > wheel > furnish with wheel(s) [verb (transitive)] > arrange (teeth) stepwise
step1856
1856 G. Price Treat. Fire & Thief-proof Deposit. 798 Workmen, who have been stepping keys as they thought quite different from each other, have found that the keys passed each others' locks.
1869 W. J. M. Rankine Cycl. Machine & Hand-tools Pl.M 2 To prevent jarring the teeth of the driving wheels..are stepped.
1895 I. K. Funk et al. Standard Dict. Eng. Lang. II. Step,.. to cut steps in or adjust tools for cutting steps in (keys or the like).
13. To cause to move or progress intermittently; to cause to assume successively larger or smaller values.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > progressive motion > specific manner of progressive motion > move or cause to move progressively in specific manner [verb (transitive)] > cause to move intermittently
step1960
the world > relative properties > measurement > measure [verb (transitive)] > measure or represent according to scale > cause to assume larger or smaller values
step1960
the world > relative properties > quantity > decrease or reduction in quantity, amount, or degree > reduce in quantity, amount, or degree [verb (transitive)] > reduce by degrees
parea1475
whittle1552
thwittle1593
fritter1728
step1960
de-escalate1964
to phase down1970
1960 McGraw-Hill Encycl. Sci. & Technol. XIII. 356/1 Magnets are provided to step the shaft by means of a pawl mechanism.
1971 Sci. Amer. June 85/1 If a series of adjacent loops is energized in sequence, a bubble will be stepped along from one loop to the next.
1977 New Scientist 7 Apr. 9/2 You can ‘step’ the laser from one frequency to another in this way, but cannot tune it continuously.
1977 Offshore Engineer Aug. 7/1 In the case of the larger Bass Strait fields..price rises are likely to be stepped.
Phrasal verbs
PV1. With adverbs. to step aside † 2. intransitive. To abscond. Obsolete.† 3. intransitive. To make a digression in discourse. Obsolete. to step back to step down † 2. To plant the foot firmly on the ground at each step. Obsolete. to step forth to step forward † 2. To present oneself as the champion of a woman's reputation (with reference to duelling). to step in to step off to step out figurative.1602 tr. B. Guarini Pastor Fido iv. ii. sig. K4v At each of Siluioes actes My soule stept out, push't on with all her will. to step together † 1. Of two or more persons: To meet or engage in conflict. Obsolete. to step up † 4. figurative. To arise, come suddenly into prominence.
1. intransitive. To go a little distance away from one's place or from the path one is following; to withdraw or retire for a short distance; to take one or more steps to one's right or left. Also figurative.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > sideways movement or a sideways movement > move sideways [verb (intransitive)] > step to one side
drawc1400
to step aside1530
sidestep1860
1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 734/2 I steppe a syde out of the way, je me desmarche. Let them lay to my charge what they lyste, I wyll never steppe a syde for it.
1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries f. cccxvjv He steppeth a side into the countrey by.
1599 W. Shakespeare Romeo & Juliet i. i. 153 See where he comes, so please you step aside . View more context for this quotation
1600 E. Fairfax tr. T. Tasso Godfrey of Bulloigne xi. lxxx. 211 He stept aside the furious blow to shunne.
1770 J. Langhorne & W. Langhorne tr. Timoleon in Plutarch Lives II. 215 Upon which Timoleon stepped aside, and stood weeping.
1859 Regulations for Musketry Instr. Army 35 He will leave his rifle on the rest and step aside, in order that the instructor may take his place.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > going away > go away [verb (intransitive)] > go away suddenly or hastily > secretly or abscond
to run awayOE
elope1596
to step aside1620
abscond1652
shirk1681
decamp1751
levant1797
absconce1823
skip1865
skin1871
to shoot the crow1887
sneak1896
to go through1933
to take a run-out powder1933
1620 in R. F. Williams Birch's Court & Times James I (1848) (modernized text) II. 210 Sir John Samms is stept aside and gone for Bohemia,..being..ready to sink under the burthen of his debts.
1689 N. Luttrell Diary in Brief Hist. Relation State Affairs (1857) I. 595 The cook was sent to Newgate, but the lord Griffin himself, hearing of it, is stept aside.
a1715 Bp. G. Burnet Hist. Own Time (1724) I. 429 They did not know whether he might not have stept aside for debt.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > the arts > literature > style of language or writing > copiousness > be copious [verb (intransitive)] > digress
overleapc1400
to cast, fet, fetch, go, take a compass?a1500
digress1530
traverse1530
decline?1543
square1567
rovea1575
deviate1638
to step aside1653
swerve1658
to sally out1660
transgress1662
to run off1687
canceleera1697
cantona1734
excurse1748
to travel out of the record1770
divagate1852
desult1872
sidetrack1893
1653 T. Gataker Vindic. Annot. Jer. 10.2 125 Herodote made his History somewhat the more delightful, by stepping aside to tel a tale or two now and then.
1799 J. Robertson Gen. View Agric. Perth 190 I request the indulgence of the reader..while I step aside to give a few directions to the inhabitants of the Highland districts.
4. intransitive. To deviate from the right path, err, go astray.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > aspects of travel > travel in specific course or direction > direct one's course [verb (intransitive)] > stray or go astray
dwelec900
miswendOE
to fare astray (misliche, amiss)c1175
to step astray, awry, beside1297
weyec1315
outrayc1330
strayc1330
waivea1375
forvay1390
outwandera1400
stragglea1425
waverc1485
wander?1507
swerve1543
wift?a1560
random1561
estray1572
egar1584
to go a-strayinga1586
to step aside1787
err1819
moider1839
maverick1910
1787 R. Burns Poems (new ed.) 146 To step aside is human.
(a) To go back a little distance, to retire or withdraw a short distance to the rear. (b) To go one or more paces backwards without turning the body round. Also figurative.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > backward movement > move backwards [verb (intransitive)] > step back
to step back1538
to fall back?1567
1538 T. Elyot Dict. Resulto, to..to leape or steppe backe.
1544 P. Betham tr. J. di Porcia Preceptes Warre i. cxliii. sig. G viijv. Whome we muste imbolden..that gladly they wyll marche forwarde, and not to steppe backe for anye ieopardyes.
1605 G. Chapman Al Fooles ii. i. E 1 b I stept me backe, and drawing my olde friend heere, Made to the midst of them.
1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost iv. 820 Back stept those two fair Angels half amaz'd. View more context for this quotation
1759 S. Johnson Prince of Abissinia II. xxx. 40 The favourite of the princess, looking into the cavity, stepped back and trembled.
1802 C. James New Mil. Dict. Step Back, March,..a word of command which is given when one or more men are ordered to take the back step according to regulation.
1857 M. Gatty Parables 2nd Ser. 65 He stepped back again to the path.
1859 F. A. Griffiths Artillerist's Man. (1862) 6 In stepping back the pace is 30 inches.
1. To go from a higher level to a lower, esp. by treading on a step or stairway. Also, to go a short distance to a place which is, or is regarded as, lower. Also figurative, to withdraw or retire from office. Originally U.S.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > downward motion > move downwards [verb (intransitive)] > step down
to step downa1400
to step off1833
society > authority > office > withdrawing from or vacating office > vacate office [verb (intransitive)]
resign1395
recede1452
retirec1598
to take, lay down, resign the fascesa1625
to go out1642
to sing one's nunc dimittis1642
to make one's bowa1656
to lay down1682
to swear off1698
vacate1812
to send in one's papers1872
to step down1890
to stand down1926
society > occupation and work > lack of work > [verb (intransitive)] > vacate an office or position > resign
resign1395
resignate1531
to go out1642
to lay down1682
to swear off1698
to turn up1819
to pull the pin1860
to send in one's papers1872
to step down1890
to snatch it or one's time1941
a1400 St. Alexius (Trin.) 503 Of here bedde hy sprong..And hardeliche a-doun stap, Þe folk alle among.
1526 Bible (Tyndale) John v. f. cxxvv Another stoppeth [ Perh. read steppeth] doune before me.
1590 Tarltons Newes out of Purgatorie 33 So he stept downe out of the pulpit.
1819 W. Scott Bride of Lammermoor viii, in Tales of my Landlord 3rd Ser. I. 172 Pray, step down to the cellar and fetch us up a bottle of the Burgundy.
1825 T. Hook Sayings & Doings 2nd Ser. III. 253 I wish, Macaddle, that to-morrow morning early, you would step down to the Tower, and see the Colonel.
1842 Ld. Tennyson Beggar Maid 5 In robe and crown the king stept down.
1890 Stock Grower & Farmer 3 May 3/2 If the bureau cannot do this, let the members of it, the lunkheads, step down and resign.
1945 Sun (Baltimore) 22 Sept. 5-0/1 (heading) Henry Ford steps down: Grandson becomes president of motor company.
1983 Times 30 Aug. 1/2 Mr Menachim Begin has pledged to make a final announcement..abou..his intention to step down as Israel's sixth prime minister.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > progressive motion > walking > walk, tread, or step [verb (intransitive)] > place foot firmly
to step down1747
1747 Gentleman's Mag. Feb. 77/2 Such exercise is not much less salutiferous than riding, if the walker steps down firmly, so as to shake the intestines.
3. transitive. To reduce (the voltage of a supply); to reduce the voltage of (a supply).
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > physics > electromagnetic radiation > electricity > voltage > increase or regulate [verb (transitive)] > reduce
to step down1903
the world > matter > physics > electromagnetic radiation > electricity > electrical engineering > transformer > convert [verb (transitive)] > increase or decrease
to step up1902
to step down1903
1903 Electr. World & Engineer 8 Aug. 230 (Cent. Dict. Suppl.) The..transformers..stept the pressure down to 2,000 volts.
1938 J. H. Reyner Testing Television Sets iv. 41 The function of the transformer is to step-down the voltage applied to the scanning coil which operates with a correspondingly larger current.
1978 Gramophone Jan. 1340/3 It is also very safe, since it uses only a 12-volt supply, stepped down by a small isolating mains transformer.
To advance a short distance from one's place or position; to come out to the front or into the midst, present oneself before the public; to advance with some immediate purpose in view. Also figurative of things.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > forward movement > move forward or advance [verb (intransitive)] > a short distance or for a purpose
to step forthc1000
to stand forthc1390
to stand forward1602
to step up1660
to step forward1793
c1000 West Saxon Gospels: John (Corpus Cambr.) xi. 44 & sona stop forð se þe dead wæs.
c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Calig.) (1978) l. 12886 Forð he gon steppen [c1300 Otho steppe].
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 10763 Son ilkan wit þair wand forth stepe.
1518 in I. S. Leadam Select Cases Star Chamber (1911) II. 140 Whan they [jurymen] wer callyd and ther namys redd, steppyd forth one Robert Edward and seyd [etc.]
1526 Bible (Tyndale) Acts v. 20 Goo, steppe forthe, and speake in the temple to the people.
1598 W. Shakespeare Love's Labour's Lost iv. iii. 149 Now step I foorth to whip hipocrisie. View more context for this quotation
1605 G. Chapman Al Fooles ii. i. E 1 b Steps me forth Their valiant fore-man, with the word, I rest you.
1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost vi. 128 From his armed Peers Forth stepping opposite, half way he met His daring foe. View more context for this quotation
1674 N. Fairfax Treat. Bulk & Selvedge 188 Why might he not 10000 ages before the world was, give it its bidding to step forth?
1837 T. Carlyle French Revol. I. iii. ix. 160 Not for a century and half had Rascality ventured to step forth in this fashion.
1913 D. Bray Life-hist. Brahui iv. 62 Then those that can shoot a good shot step forth for a match.
1. = to step forth at Phrasal verbs 1.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > forward movement > move forward or advance [verb (intransitive)] > a short distance or for a purpose
to step forthc1000
to stand forthc1390
to stand forward1602
to step up1660
to step forward1793
1793 Consid. Coal in Scotl. 31 The gentlemen who, in this exigency, stepped forward to second the efforts of the Magistrates.
1799 H. Lee Canterbury Tales (ed. 2) I. 300 His comrade, stepping forward, remonstrated with some warmth.
1802 C. James New Mil. Dict. To step forth or forward, to take an active part in any thing. Thus, when the circle was formed, the grenadiers stepped forward to beg off their comrade.
1845 W. E. Gladstone Corr. on Church & Relig. (1910) I. 349 A rear-rank man steps forward when his front-rank man falls in battle.
1855 Poultry Chron. 3 162 Any one who could step forward in this time of no reports with a few facts, would be a public benefactor.
ΘΚΠ
society > armed hostility > armed encounter > contending in battle > contend in battle or give battle [verb (intransitive)] > offer challenge of single combat or duel
challengec1380
to swear outa1440
to cast (out) the gauntlet1548
to fling out (or down) the gauntlet1548
to throw (down) the gauntlet1548
to challenge a person the fielda1616
to step forward1813
1813 J. Austen Pride & Prejudice III. v. 83 Could he expect that her friends would not step forward ? View more context for this quotation
1813 J. Austen Pride & Prejudice III. v. 86 Lydia has no brothers to step forward . View more context for this quotation
3. Wrestling. = to step in at Phrasal verbs 1.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > fighting sports > wrestling > wrestle [verb (intransitive)] > manoeuvres
collara1555
to step in1713
to step up1713
to step forward1898
1898 Earl of Suffolk et al. Encycl. Sport II. 547/2 [article Wrestling] The hype. After securing a tight grip step forward with the left leg [etc.].
1. To come or go indoors; to enter a house or apartment casually or for a short visit. Also, to enter a boat, vehicle, etc.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > going or coming in > go or come in [verb (intransitive)]
to go ineOE
ingoc900
to come inOE
incomec1000
infarec1000
enterc1325
enderc1330
ingressc1330
entera1382
to fall inc1384
usha1400
to get ina1425
to step in1534
to set (or put) (a) footing1567
invade1590
to take in1595
to hop in (also out)1914
society > travel > transport > transport or conveyance in a vehicle > riding in a vehicle > ride in a vehicle [verb (intransitive)] > get into a vehicle
to get aboarda1616
to step into ——1825
to step in1832
to hop in (also out)1914
c1000 Ælfric Judges iv. 21 Seo wifman..stop inn digollice.
1534 Bible (Tyndale rev. Joye) John v. 4 Whosoever then fyrst after the steringe of the water, stepped in, was made whoale.
a1640 J. Fletcher & P. Massinger Spanish Curat iv. vi, in F. Beaumont & J. Fletcher Comedies & Trag. (1647) sig. G2/2 'Pray ye let's step in, and see a friend of mine.
c1660 J. Evelyn Diary anno 1641 (1955) II. 43 As we return'd we stepp'd in to see the Spin-house.
1786 E. Inchbald I'll tell you What i. i. 6 Do step in and take your chocolate with her.
1832 H. Martineau Ella of Garveloch xi. 138 The little boat pushed off..the three boatmen..having waved their bonnets and cheered before they stept in, in honour of the spectators.
1837 T. Carlyle French Revol. I. v. viii. 280 Such Deputation is on the point of setting out,—when lo, his Majesty himself, attended only by his two Brothers, steps in.
1898 J. A. Gibbs Cotswold Village iii. 50 If he could get you to ‘step in,’ he would offer you gooseberry, ginger, cowslip, and currant wine.
2. To come forward and join in what is going on; to come to close quarters, enter the fray; to intervene in an affair, a dispute, etc. literal and figurative.
ΘΚΠ
society > society and the community > social relations > association, fellowship, or companionship > associate together or with [verb (intransitive)]
mingc1275
company1387
joinc1390
meddlec1390
herd?a1400
fellowshipc1430
enfellowship1470
to step in1474
accompany?1490
yoke?a1513
to keep with ——c1515
conjoin1532
wag1550
frequent1577
encroach1579
consort1588
sort1595
commerce1596
troop1597
converse1598
to keep (also enter, come into, etc.) commons1598
to enter common1604
atone1611
to walk (also travel) in the way with1611
minglea1616
consociate1638
associate1644
corrive1647
co-unite1650
walk1650
cohere1651
engage1657
mix1667
accustom1670
to make one1711
coalite1735
commerciate1740
to have nothing to say to (also with)1780
gang?1791
companion1792
mess1795
matea1832
comrade1865
to go around1904
to throw in with1906
to get down1975
the world > action or operation > doing > activity or occupation > acting in another's business or intervention > act in another's business or intervene [verb (intransitive)]
to step in1474
to go (etc.) between the bark and the tree1546
to make in1575
intermediate1610
interposea1616
to put in1631
intervene1646
to strike ina1715
to wade in1905
society > society and the community > dissent > absence of dissension or peace > bringing about concord or peace > become at peace with each other [verb (intransitive)] > mediate
stightlec1440
stickle1530
moderate1597
mediate1616
to step in1657
interpose1710
mediatize1885
1474 W. Caxton tr. Game & Playe of Chesse (1883) iii. iii. 101 His frende..forth~wyth stept in and sayde that he hymself was culpable of the deth of this man.
1546 J. Heywood Dialogue Prouerbes Eng. Tongue i. iii. sig. Aiv Whyle I at length debate and beate the bushe, There shall steppe in other men, & catche the burdes.
1568 Christis Kirk on Grene in W. T. Ritchie Bannatyne MS (1928) II. 263 Than stevin come stoppand in wt stendis.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Othello (1622) ii. iii. 222 This Gentleman Steps in to Cassio, and intreates his pause. View more context for this quotation
1657 N. Billingsley Brachy-martyrologia ii. i. 150 While they for the crown contended, In step'd the Romans, so the quarrel ended.
a1719 J. Addison Dialogues Medals in Wks. (1721) I. i. 448 It is here therefore..that the old Poets step in to the assistance of the Medallist.
1774 O. Goldsmith Hist. Earth IV. 230 Just when, by long labour, the weasel..had removed the board, the monkey stept in, and..fastened it again in its place.
1867 E. A. Freeman Hist. Norman Conquest I. vi. 497 Certain Bishops and other chief men stepped in to preserve peace.
1877 E. A. Freeman Hist. Norman Conquest (ed. 3) II. ix. 407 The three able statesmen who are represented as stepping in [(ed. 1, 2) intervening] between him and his dangerous vassal.
3. In Wrestling, to bring one's leg round the opponent's. In Cricket, of a batter: To advance a step to meet a ball.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > fighting sports > wrestling > wrestle [verb (intransitive)] > manoeuvres
collara1555
to step in1713
to step up1713
to step forward1898
society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > ball game > cricket > batting > bat [verb (intransitive)] > types of batting
to play back1816
to step in1837
to play forward1851
to run out1858
slog1869
hang one's bat out to dry1895
to force the game1897
to farm the strike1901
to sit on (or upon) the splice1906
1713 T. Parkyns Inn-play 19 Step in with your left Leg the inside of his right.
1713 T. Parkyns Inn-play 22 At the same time he steps in with his other leg to turn you.
1837 New Sporting Mag. 11 197 Stepping in to meet the ball... In stepping in the hitter must get well over the ball.
1862 J. Pycroft Cricket Tutor 35 As to forward play, with an over-pitched ball every first-rate player knows how to step in.
1. intransitive. To take one or more steps down and away from a higher level.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > downward motion > move downwards [verb (intransitive)] > step down
to step downa1400
to step off1833
1833 T. Hook Parson's Daughter II. i. 31 He [sc. a would-be visitor at a house] stepped off, and turning down Grosvenor-street [etc.].
2. Military. To begin to march at a prescribed pace.
ΘΚΠ
society > armed hostility > military operations > evolution > [verb (intransitive)] > march > at prescribed pace
to step off1802
walk-march1814
double1890
1802 C. James New Mil. Dict. To step off,..to take a prescribed pace from a halted position, in ordinary or quick time, in conformity to some given word of command or signal... In stepping off to music,..the word of command is the signal to lift up the left foot.
3. transitive. To mark off by successive equal movements of a leg of the compasses. Cf. sense to step out 4 at Phrasal verbs 1.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > measurement > measuring instrument > measure by or as an instrument [verb (transitive)] > measure by means of instruments > mark off with compasses
to step off1895
to step out1895
1895 E. Rowe Hints on Chip-carving 21 Divide the circle into three equal sectors, by stepping off the radius six times upon the circumference.
4. intransitive. To die. Cf. to step out at Phrasal verbs 1. slang. rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > death > [verb (intransitive)]
forsweltc888
sweltc888
adeadeOE
deadc950
wendeOE
i-wite971
starveOE
witea1000
forfereOE
forthfareOE
forworthc1000
to go (also depart , pass, i-wite, chare) out of this worldOE
queleOE
fallOE
to take (also nim, underfo) (the) deathOE
to shed (one's own) blood?a1100
diec1135
endc1175
farec1175
to give up the ghostc1175
letc1200
aswelta1250
leavea1250
to-sweltc1275
to-worthc1275
to yield (up) the ghost (soul, breath, life, spirit)c1290
finea1300
spilla1300
part?1316
to leese one's life-daysa1325
to nim the way of deathc1325
to tine, leave, lose the sweatc1330
flit1340
trance1340
determinec1374
disperisha1382
to go the way of all the eartha1382
to be gathered to one's fathers1382
miscarryc1387
shut1390
goa1393
to die upa1400
expirea1400
fleea1400
to pass awaya1400
to seek out of lifea1400–50
to sye hethena1400
tinea1400
trespass14..
espirec1430
to end one's days?a1439
decease1439
to go away?a1450
ungoc1450
unlivec1450
to change one's lifea1470
vade1495
depart1501
to pay one's debt to (also the debt of) naturea1513
to decease this world1515
to go over?1520
jet1530
vade1530
to go westa1532
to pick over the perch1532
galpa1535
to die the death1535
to depart to God1548
to go home1561
mort1568
inlaikc1575
shuffle1576
finish1578
to hop (also tip, pitch over, drop off, etc.) the perch1587
relent1587
unbreathe1589
transpass1592
to lose one's breath1596
to make a die (of it)1611
to go offa1616
fail1623
to go out1635
to peak over the percha1641
exita1652
drop1654
to knock offa1657
to kick upa1658
to pay nature her due1657
ghost1666
to march off1693
to die off1697
pike1697
to drop off1699
tip (over) the perch1699
to pass (also go, be called, etc.) to one's reward1703
sink1718
vent1718
to launch into eternity1719
to join the majority1721
demise1727
to pack off1735
to slip one's cable1751
turf1763
to move off1764
to pop off the hooks1764
to hop off1797
to pass on1805
to go to glory1814
sough1816
to hand in one's accounts1817
to slip one's breatha1819
croak1819
to slip one's wind1819
stiffen1820
weed1824
buy1825
to drop short1826
to fall (a) prey (also victim, sacrifice) to1839
to get one's (also the) call1839
to drop (etc.) off the hooks1840
to unreeve one's lifeline1840
to step out1844
to cash, pass or send in one's checks1845
to hand in one's checks1845
to go off the handle1848
to go under1848
succumb1849
to turn one's toes up1851
to peg out1852
walk1858
snuff1864
to go or be up the flume1865
to pass outc1867
to cash in one's chips1870
to go (also pass over) to the majority1883
to cash in1884
to cop it1884
snuff1885
to belly up1886
perch1886
to kick the bucket1889
off1890
to knock over1892
to pass over1897
to stop one1901
to pass in1904
to hand in one's marble1911
the silver cord is loosed1911
pip1913
to cross over1915
conk1917
to check out1921
to kick off1921
to pack up1925
to step off1926
to take the ferry1928
peg1931
to meet one's Maker1933
to kiss off1935
to crease it1959
zonk1968
cark1977
to cark it1979
to take a dirt nap1981
1926 E. Wallace Man from Morocco iii. 21 There will only be the bit of money I have when I—er—step off.
1. intransitive. (Cf. sense 3.) To go or come out from a place, usually for a short distance or for a short time; esp. to leave the house, go out of doors. Also, to leave a boat or vehicle. Also, to move one or more paces away from one's position.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > going or coming out > go or come out [verb (intransitive)] > step out
to step outc1515
outstepa1560
society > travel > transport > transport or conveyance in a vehicle > riding in a vehicle > ride in a vehicle [verb (intransitive)] > alight from a vehicle
dismount1594
avale1596
land1693
alight1704
to step out1753
unlight1796
to hop in (also out)1955
deboard1960
c1515 Ld. Berners tr. Bk. Duke Huon of Burdeux (1882–7) cxxxiii. 494 He stepte out aparte to behold the batayle.
a1577 G. Gascoigne Princelie Pleasures Kenelworth sig. A.i, in Whole Wks. (1587) Sibilla being placed in an arbor..did step out and pronounced as foloweth.
1745 J. Swift Direct. to Servants 12 When your Master..wants a Servant, who happens to be abroad, your Answer must be, that he but just that Minute stept out.
1753 S. Richardson Hist. Sir Charles Grandison II. i. 4 Sir Charles, stepping out, brought in with him Miss Jervois.
1836 C. Dickens Pickwick Papers (1837) xiv. 135 ‘Never mind,’ said the one-eyed man, calling after the girl as she left the room. ‘I'll step out by and by, Mary.’
1857 T. Hughes Tom Brown's School Days ii. viii. 397 The first ball of the over Jack steps out and meets, swiping with all his force.
1880 E. G. O'Reilly Sussex Stories I. 276 Mother's stepped out, and I'm alone up here.
2. Military. To lengthen the pace in marching.
ΘΚΠ
society > armed hostility > military operations > evolution > [verb (intransitive)] > march > lengthen pace
to step out1792
1792 Rules & Regulations His Majesty's Forces i. 17 On the word step out, the recruit must be taught to lengthen his step to 33 inches.
1802 C. James New Mil. Dict. To step out, to lengthen your pace.
3. To walk with a vigorous step or stride. Also transferred of a ship.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > progressive motion > walking > walk, tread, or step [verb (intransitive)] > vigorously
to stride out1581
to step out1806
society > travel > travel by water > action or motion of vessel > [verb (intransitive)] > make progress > move swiftly
crowd937
runOE
boom1617
to cut a feather1627
with a bone in her mouth (also teeth)1627
snore1830
spank1835
ramp1856
to step out1884
foot1892
1806 J. Davis Post-Captain xii. 74 The sailors were making a run of the tackle-falls, and Mr. Hurricane..was heard to exclaim,..‘Step out, men! step out! Walk away with him, cheerly!’
1842 Penny Cycl. XXIII. 214/1 The truly-bred Suffolk horses are active in their walk..They step out well.
1847 W. M. Thackeray Vanity Fair (1848) xxx. 258 Jack or Donald marches away to glory..stepping out briskly to the tune of ‘The Girl I left behind me’.
1859 J. M. Jephson & L. Reeve Narr. Walking Tour Brittany ix. 140 I therefore stepped out hard, and at length..reached a town.
1867 W. H. Smyth & E. Belcher Sailor's Word-bk. Step out, to move along simultaneously and cheerfully with a tackle-fall, &c.
1884 ‘H. Collingwood’ Under Meteor Flag 250 It was..the weather in which the little ‘Vigilant’ stepped out to the greatest advantage.
4. transitive. Cf. step off at to step off 3 at Phrasal verbs 1.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > measurement > measuring instrument > measure by or as an instrument [verb (transitive)] > measure by means of instruments > mark off with compasses
to step off1895
to step out1895
1895 E. Rowe Hints on Chip-carving 68 Divide the circumference into six parts by stepping out the radius six times round the circumference.
5. To die; to disappear. U.S. slang. ? Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > death > [verb (intransitive)]
forsweltc888
sweltc888
adeadeOE
deadc950
wendeOE
i-wite971
starveOE
witea1000
forfereOE
forthfareOE
forworthc1000
to go (also depart , pass, i-wite, chare) out of this worldOE
queleOE
fallOE
to take (also nim, underfo) (the) deathOE
to shed (one's own) blood?a1100
diec1135
endc1175
farec1175
to give up the ghostc1175
letc1200
aswelta1250
leavea1250
to-sweltc1275
to-worthc1275
to yield (up) the ghost (soul, breath, life, spirit)c1290
finea1300
spilla1300
part?1316
to leese one's life-daysa1325
to nim the way of deathc1325
to tine, leave, lose the sweatc1330
flit1340
trance1340
determinec1374
disperisha1382
to go the way of all the eartha1382
to be gathered to one's fathers1382
miscarryc1387
shut1390
goa1393
to die upa1400
expirea1400
fleea1400
to pass awaya1400
to seek out of lifea1400–50
to sye hethena1400
tinea1400
trespass14..
espirec1430
to end one's days?a1439
decease1439
to go away?a1450
ungoc1450
unlivec1450
to change one's lifea1470
vade1495
depart1501
to pay one's debt to (also the debt of) naturea1513
to decease this world1515
to go over?1520
jet1530
vade1530
to go westa1532
to pick over the perch1532
galpa1535
to die the death1535
to depart to God1548
to go home1561
mort1568
inlaikc1575
shuffle1576
finish1578
to hop (also tip, pitch over, drop off, etc.) the perch1587
relent1587
unbreathe1589
transpass1592
to lose one's breath1596
to make a die (of it)1611
to go offa1616
fail1623
to go out1635
to peak over the percha1641
exita1652
drop1654
to knock offa1657
to kick upa1658
to pay nature her due1657
ghost1666
to march off1693
to die off1697
pike1697
to drop off1699
tip (over) the perch1699
to pass (also go, be called, etc.) to one's reward1703
sink1718
vent1718
to launch into eternity1719
to join the majority1721
demise1727
to pack off1735
to slip one's cable1751
turf1763
to move off1764
to pop off the hooks1764
to hop off1797
to pass on1805
to go to glory1814
sough1816
to hand in one's accounts1817
to slip one's breatha1819
croak1819
to slip one's wind1819
stiffen1820
weed1824
buy1825
to drop short1826
to fall (a) prey (also victim, sacrifice) to1839
to get one's (also the) call1839
to drop (etc.) off the hooks1840
to unreeve one's lifeline1840
to step out1844
to cash, pass or send in one's checks1845
to hand in one's checks1845
to go off the handle1848
to go under1848
succumb1849
to turn one's toes up1851
to peg out1852
walk1858
snuff1864
to go or be up the flume1865
to pass outc1867
to cash in one's chips1870
to go (also pass over) to the majority1883
to cash in1884
to cop it1884
snuff1885
to belly up1886
perch1886
to kick the bucket1889
off1890
to knock over1892
to pass over1897
to stop one1901
to pass in1904
to hand in one's marble1911
the silver cord is loosed1911
pip1913
to cross over1915
conk1917
to check out1921
to kick off1921
to pack up1925
to step off1926
to take the ferry1928
peg1931
to meet one's Maker1933
to kiss off1935
to crease it1959
zonk1968
cark1977
to cark it1979
to take a dirt nap1981
the world > physical sensation > sight and vision > invisibility > be or become invisible [verb (intransitive)] > vanish or disappear
formeltc893
wendOE
witea1000
aworthc1000
fleec1200
fleetc1200
withdraw1297
vanish1303
voidc1374
unkithea1400
startc1405
disappearc1425
disparishc1425
to fall awayc1443
evanish?a1475
vade1495
sinka1500
vade1530
fly1535
fadea1538
melt?1567
dispear1600
relinquish1601
foist1603
dispersea1616
to vanish (melt, etc.) into thin aira1616
dissipate1626
retire1647
evaporate1713
merge1802
illude1820
to foam off1826
dislimn1833
furl1844
to step out1844
evanesce1855
shade1880
wisp1883
to go to the winds1884
walk1898
to do a disappearing act1913
to go west1916
to do (or take) a fade1949
to phase out1970
1844 Yale Lit. Mag. 9 381 Of the other pieces..some will be found in the present number..and the remainder have ‘stept out’.
1845 Knickerbocker Mag. 25 91 No home to eat a dinner at; no friends..; they've all stepped out, or forgotten us.
1851 J. B. Lamar et al. Polly Peablossom's Wedding & Other Tales 177 Ay, dead!—stepped out!—d—d—dead as Tecumseh!
1903 A. D. McFaul Ike Glidden in Maine xxx. 277 He is the cause of my ruin. Yes, that is why he stepped out when he did.
6. To appear in company or society; spec. to accompany or walk out (with a person of the opposite sex); to consort (with a lover). North American dialect and colloquial.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > love > courtship or wooing > court or engage in courtship [verb (intransitive)] > walk out with person as lover
to walk out1827
to step out1936
1907 ‘M. Twain’ in Harper's Mag. Dec. 44/2 I thought what a figure I should cut stepping out amongst the redeemed in such a rig.
1918 Dial. Notes 5 28 To step[out], vb. i. To go out with a jane. Usually with an unvirtuous intention. General, but especially college communities.
1934 T. E. Sullinger Children of Divorce 9 It affords the father an opportunity to find out how his former wife is spending his alimony, who she is ‘stepping out with’.
1936 L. Lefko Public Relations 27 She must be cultured—none of those speak-easy belles you step out with will do.
1940 Chatelaine June 59/3 Sally's stepping out again!
1955 D. W. Maurer in Publ. Amer. Dial. Soc. No. 24. 190 [Support] will continue as long as she does not have anything to do with men; as soon as she ‘steps out’ and the fact becomes known, her support stops.
1977 Detroit Free Press 11 Dec. 11- b/1 Woodard believes Rae is stepping out with Frank.
7. To parachute out of a (disabled) aircraft. R.A.F. slang.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > air or space travel > parachuting > parachute [verb (intransitive)] > jump out of aircraft > in emergency
to bail out1925
to take to or hit the silk1933
to hit the silk1941
to step out1942
to punch out1964
1942 ‘B. J. Ellan’ Spitfire! p. x If you are unlucky enough to get shot down yourself, you..step out.
1953 R. Chisholm Cover of Darkness i. ii. 24 He climbed to ten thousand and he and his observer stepped out as we used to say.
8. to step out of line: see to step (or get, etc.) out of line at line n.2 28b.
ΘΚΠ
society > society and the community > dissent > fighting > fight [verb (intransitive)] > begin to fight
to step togetherc1275
lash13..
felterc1400
to fall forth1572
tackle1867
c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Calig.) (1978) l. 14179 Heo to-gadere stopen and sturnliche fuhten.
2. Of a pair of horses: To be well matched in pace and action. Also figurative of persons, to be in sympathy.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > love > friendliness > be friendly [verb (intransitive)] > get on (well)
gree?a1513
to get in with1602
cotton1605
to hitch (also set, or stable) horses together1617
to hit it1634
gee1685
to set horses together1685
to be made for each other (also one another)1751
to hit it off1780
to get ona1805
to hitch horses together1835
niggle1837
to step together1866
to speak (also talk) someone's (also the same) language1893
to stall with1897
cog1926
groove1935
click1954
vibe1986
1866 A. Thomas Walter Goring I. i. 5 They stepped together well in fact, and so defied censure.
1880 M. E. Braddon Just as I Am xxi ‘How well Morton and Fan step together!’ said Beville, speaking of the dancers as if they were horses.
1. intransitive. To go up from a lower position to a higher; to mount, ascend (also figurative); spec. to go up by treading on a step or stairway. Also, in later use, to go a short distance, or pay a short visit, to a place which is, or is regarded as, higher.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > upward movement > rise or go up [verb (intransitive)]
styc825
astyc950
ariseOE
upstyOE
to step upOE
upcomec1000
to come upOE
to go upOE
upwendc1200
runge?c1225
amountc1275
upgoa1325
heavec1325
uparise1340
ascend1382
higha1393
lifta1400
risea1400
skilla1400
uprisea1400
raisec1400
rearc1400
surmount1430
to get upc1450
transcenda1513
springa1525
upmounta1560
assurge?1567
hove1590
surgea1591
tower1618
hoist1647
upheave1649
to draw up1672
spire1680
insurrect1694
soar1697
upsoar1726
uprear1828
higher1889
society > travel > [verb (intransitive)] > make short journey or excursion, esp. for pleasure
to go abroadc1400
to make an errandc1400
to look out1551
jaunt1647
out1653
trip1664
to make or take a step1670
to step up1758
run1759
excursion1792
excursionize1866
tripper1959
OE Riddle 22 19 Hy stopan up on oþerne.
a1225 Leg. Kath. 713 & mid tet ilke step up, & steah to þe steorren.
a1240 Lofsong in Old Eng. Hom. I. 207 His up ariste do me stepen uwward in heie and holi þeawes.
a1400–50 Wars Alex. 1437 Sum stepis vp on sties to þe stane wallis.
c1540 (?a1400) Destr. Troy 351 To this souerayne Citie þat yet was olofte, Jason aioynid and his iust fferis, Steppit vp to a streite streght on his gate.
1758 J. Jortin Life Erasmus I. 35 He often stepped up to Town.
2. To mount a pulpit, rostrum, or the like.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > speech > speech-making > make a speech [verb (intransitive)] > mount a platform
to step up1535
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > upward movement > rise or go up [verb (intransitive)] > go up into or onto something > mount a platform or stage
to step up1535
mount1659
1535 Bible (Coverdale) Acts v. C Steppe vp, and speake in the temple to the people.
c1660 J. Evelyn Diary anno 1644 (1955) II. 233 After him stepp'd up, a Child, of about 8, or 9 years old, who pronounc'd an Oration.
a1684 J. Evelyn Diary anno 1653 (1955) III. 91 Going this day to our Church, I was surprizd to see a Trades-man, a Mechanic step up.
3. To come forward for some purpose; to leave one's place and come close to (a person).
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > forward movement > move forward or advance [verb (intransitive)] > a short distance or for a purpose
to step forthc1000
to stand forthc1390
to stand forward1602
to step up1660
to step forward1793
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > movement towards a thing, person, or position > move towards [verb (intransitive)] > move towards the speaker or this place
comeeOE
oncomeOE
to come upc1390
to come onc1450
to come forward1518
resort?1548
to come along1590
to step up1660
hither1856
1660 F. Brooke tr. V. Le Blanc World Surveyed 6 He..suddenly stept up to him, and..laid him dead at his feete.
1725 D. Defoe New Voy. round World i. 96 One of our Men step'd up to the Fellow.
1764 in R. S. Hawker Footprints Former Men Cornwall (1870) 62 I made up my mind to..step up and ask his name right out.
1840 W. M. Thackeray Barber Cox in Comic Almanack 5 ‘A mighty wet day, sir,’ says I to Mr. Hock—stepping up and making my bow.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > importance > [verb (intransitive)] > become important > suddenly
to step up1577
1577 M. Hanmer tr. Socrates Scholasticus ii. xxviii, in Aunc. Eccl. Hist. 279 At Antioche in Syria there stept vp an other hereticke.
1603 R. Knolles Gen. Hist. Turkes To Rdr. There stept vp among the Turkes in Bythinia one Osman or Othoman.
5. Wrestling. To bring one's leg up (between the opponent's legs).
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > fighting sports > wrestling > wrestle [verb (intransitive)] > manoeuvres
collara1555
to step in1713
to step up1713
to step forward1898
1713 T. Parkyns Inn-play 15 Step up with your Left Leg betwixt his Legs.
6. transitive. To bank up in steps.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > support > [verb (transitive)] > in steps as retaining walls
to step up1901
1901 S. B. Miles in Geogr. Jrnl. (Royal Geogr. Soc.) 18 480 The terraces being stepped up with revetments wherever the natural features of the ground had not availed, to maintain the earth in position.
7. To increase (the voltage of a supply) by means of a transformer; to increase the voltage of (a current).
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > physics > electromagnetic radiation > electricity > electrical engineering > transformer > convert [verb (transitive)] > increase or decrease
to step up1902
to step down1903
1902 S. Sheldon & H. Mason Alternating-current Machines 154 The autotransformer is used to step-up the voltage..to 500 volts.
1909 Electrician 2 July 463/1 By means of the three resonance relays..the telephone current was stepped up to 10− 2 amperes and audible working obtained.
1912 Nature 21 Nov. 346/1 One method to obtain this is to step up by means of an E.H.T. transformer.
1956 A. H. Compton Atomic Quest i. 14 Step up the voltages used in our experiments with nuclei, and we should expect to produce interesting nuclear reactions.
1980 J. W. Hill Intermediate Physics xxi. 205 The transformer can step up or step down voltages.
8. figurative. To raise to a higher level or standard, by a stage or stages. More widely, to advance gradually; to increase, intensify.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > goodness and badness > quality of being good > improvement > [verb (transitive)]
beetc975
betterOE
goodOE
sharpa1100
amendc1300
enhance1526
meliorate1542
embetter1568
endeara1586
enrich1598
meliorize1598
mend1603
sweeten1607
improve1617
to work up1641
ameliorate1653
solace1667
fine1683
ragout1749
to make something of1778
richen1795
transcendentalize1846
to tone up1847
to do something (also things) for (also to)1880
rich1912
to step up1920
uprate1965
up1968
nice1993
the world > relative properties > quantity > increase in quantity, amount, or degree > [verb (transitive)] > increase the intensity of
multiplya1398
sharpenc1450
heighten1523
height1528
strengthen1546
aggravate1549
enhance1559
intend1603
enrich1620
re-enforce1625
wheel1632
reinforce1660
support1691
richen1795
to give a weight to1796
intensify1817
exalt1850
intensate1856
to step up1920
to hot up1937
ramp1981
the world > relative properties > quantity > increase in quantity, amount, or degree > [verb (transitive)] > increase by stages
degree1614
to step up1920
1920 Glasgow Herald 8 July 7 They would suggest that this increase..should be ‘stepped up’ over a period of years.
1931 Amer. Speech 7 verso rear cover (advt.) Can you ‘step-up’ education to meet the new requirements of society?
1938 Sun (Baltimore) 5 Sept. 8/8 Soon after they had cleared the Hanover street bridge they stepped up their stroke.
1941 Punch 19 Feb. 173/2 People have..stepped their ideas up..about the telephone; I mean, nowadays very few of them actually brush their hair before answering.
1958 Spectator 18 July 117/1 The output..could be quickly stepped up.
1967 Listener 23 Mar. 390/2 An Aden nationalist leader says terrorist activity will be stepped up when U.N. mission arrives.
1978 K. Hudson Jargon of Professions ii. 50 The war in Vietnam was being stepped up.
1982 Times 25 Oct. 6/1 The Solidarity underground..stepped up its pressure this weekend on..the beleaguered Polish leader.
PV2. Intransitive uses with prepositions. to step between (or betwixt) —— to step into —— † 4. To enter suddenly and incautiously into (a course of action, etc.). Obsolete. to step (up)on —— to step out of —— to step over —— to step to ——
To come between (two persons, a person and thing, etc.) by way of severance, interruption or interception.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > doing > activity or occupation > acting in another's business or intervention > intervene between [verb (transitive)]
to step betwixt ——1605
1605 1st Pt. Jeronimo sig. Fii O then stept heauen and I, Betweene the stroke.
1615 T. Heywood Foure Prentises D 4, Stage-dir. Bell. Stay Gentlemen. Shee steps betweene them.
a1616 W. Shakespeare All's Well that ends Well (1623) v. iii. 320 Deadly diuorce step betweene me and you. View more context for this quotation
a1771 T. Gray Imit. Propertius in Wks. (1814) II. 85 When..Age step 'twixt love and me, and intercept the joy.
1839 T. Mitchell in Aristophanes Frogs 201 (note) We will no longer step between the reader and his mirth.
1. See sense 3 and into prep.
ΚΠ
c1000 Ælfric Homilies I. 60 Mid þam ðe se apostol Iohannes stop into ðære byrig Ephesum.
c1460 (?c1400) Tale of Beryn Prol. l. 309 He stappid in-to the tapstry wondir pryuely.
1602 W. Shakespeare Merry Wives of Windsor iv. ii. 9 Step behind the arras good sir Iohn.
a1684 J. Evelyn Diary anno 1657 (1955) III. 191 I step'd into Bedlame, where I saw..some miserable poore Creatures in chaines.
1716 A. Pope Full Acct. E. Curll 5 He desir'd his Wife to step into the Shop for a Common-Prayer-Book.
1765 I. Bickerstaff Maid of Mill iii. ii. 57 But, stay and take a letter, which I am stepping into my study to write.
1832 S. Warren Passages from Diary of Late Physician II. ii. 95 Before leaving the house, I stepped into the parlour, to speak a few words to Miss E——.
2. To walk into (a place on a higher or lower level, e.g. a vehicle) by taking one or more steps up or down.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > going or coming in > go or come into [verb (transitive)]
i-goc1275
entera1325
to step into ——c1380
enterc1400
get1585
invade1590
ingressa1631
society > travel > transport > transport or conveyance in a vehicle > riding in a vehicle > ride in a vehicle [verb (intransitive)] > get into a vehicle
to get aboarda1616
to step into ——1825
to step in1832
to hop in (also out)1914
c1380 Sir Ferumbras (1879) l. 5793 If þou wilt ben a crysteman, Mahoun þou most for-sake,..And suþþe stape in-to þis water clere.
1825 T. Hook Sayings & Doings 2nd Ser. III. 294 The ladies having set all their finery in order,..the party stepped into the coach.
1862 G. Borrow Wild Wales II. x. 105 Your honour can..trifle away the minutes over your wine..till seven, when your honour can step into a first-class for Bangor.
3. To obtain possession of (an estate, a place or office) at a single step; to succeed at once to (the place of another person or thing).
ΘΚΠ
society > law > legal right > right of possession or ownership > right to succeed to title, position, or estate > succession > cause to descend by succession [verb (transitive)] > succeed to
to come to ——eOE
inherita1400
succeed1490
to step into ——1609
1609 P. Holland tr. Ammianus Marcellinus Rom. Hist. xxx. viii. 389 Leo.., in case the other, now aloft, should once fall downe from the rocke, was readie to step into his Præfect~ship.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Timon of Athens (1623) ii. ii. 219 By whose death hee's stepp'd Into a great estate. View more context for this quotation
1678 C. Trenchfield Fathers Counsel (ed. 2) 18 The discourse of [Religious] Ceremonies hath brought things to that pass..that the circumstance hath stept into the room of the substance.
1766 O. Goldsmith Vicar of Wakefield II. i. 26 A gentleman in London, who had just stept into taste and a large fortune.
1802 C. James New Mil. Dict. (at cited word) The guards..have the exclusive privilege of going over this intermediate rank, and stepping into a lieutenant-colonelcy at once.
1871 E. A. Freeman Hist. Norman Conquest IV. xvii. 65 William in short had stepped into the place of those whom he had himself overcome.
1886 C. E. Pascoe London of To-day (ed. 3) xxiii. 218 Until Button's Coffee-house stepped into the place of ‘Will's’.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > undertaking > beginning action or activity > begin or enter upon (an action) [verb (transitive)] > suddenly or incautiously
to step into ——a1616
the world > action or operation > manner of action > rapidity or speed of action or operation > do, deal with, acquire, etc., quickly [verb (transitive)] > enter into hurriedly
to run into ——c1384
to step into ——a1616
invade1700
a1616 W. Shakespeare Timon of Athens (1623) iii. vi. 12 A Friend of mine, who in hot blood Hath stept into the Law: which is past depth To those that (without heede) do plundge intoo't. View more context for this quotation
1648 R. Fanshawe tr. B. Guarini Pastor Fido 304 In pursuance of this fury, about ten years after, Caius Gracchus stept into action (as the Irish call it) to play the second part of his Brother.
1656 T. Burton Diary (1828) I. 31 I know no reason for this speed; for we may offend as well in proceeding and sudden stepping into judgments.
1. To put the foot down upon; to walk on or over; to tread on (something that lies in the way); figurative to come suddenly upon (a person or thing). Also, to set one's foot on (a position) from a higher or lower level or by striding across an intervening space.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > progressive motion > walking > walk upon or tread [verb (transitive)]
to step (up)on ——OE
beatOE
treadc1384
betread1495
overwalk1533
foot1557
walk1574
trample1595
reiterate1648
to step foot in1864
pound1890
the mind > mental capacity > expectation > suddenness > come upon suddenly [verb (transitive)]
to step on ——OE
takea1382
skey1539
sursault1598
bolt1779
to pounce on (or upon)1812
to burst upon1867
OE Riddle 26 10 Mec fugles wyn geond speddropum spyrede geneahhe, ofer brunne brerd, beamtelge swealg, streames dæle, stop eft on mec osi þade sweartlast.
OE Genesis 1136 Siððan Adam stop on grene græs gaste geweorðad.
c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Calig.) (1978) l. 11907 He þat scip stronge scaf from þan londe. and stop uppen þat æit-lond.
a1290 S. Eustace 113 in Horstm. Altengl. Leg. (1881) 213 Crist.. þat on erþe rod and stop.
1297 R. Gloucester's Chron. (Rolls) 6950 Heo stap vpe þis furi yre euerich stape al clene.
c1394 P. Pl. Crede 649 For stappyng on a too of a styncande frere.
1417 in F. J. Furnivall Fifty Earliest Eng. Wills (1882) 27 That my body be Beryed in the Chirchhey..as men goth ouer in-to þe church at þe South Syde, ryȝte as they mowe stappe on me.
1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 734/2 I steppe upon a thyng, je saulx par dessus.
1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 735/1 I stepped upon hym or I was ware.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Twelfth Night (1623) iii. iv. 270 He payes you as surely, as your feete hits the ground they step on . View more context for this quotation
1638 F. Junius Painting of Ancients 61 The Poët stepping with Phaëton upon the waggon hath noted..every particular.
1901 Abp. Temple in Sandford Mem. (1906) II. 702 The moment we begin to assign motives we are stepping on unsafe ground.
2. to step on the gas: see gas n.2 Phrases 1a. to step on the juice: see juice n. 1e. Also, to step on it (†her). colloquial (originally U.S.).
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > manner of action > rapidity or speed of action or operation > proceed rapidly [verb (intransitive)] > hasten or hurry
hiec1250
skelta1400
hasty?a1425
hasten1534
festinate1652
to look sharp1680
to make play1799
hurry-scurry1809
to tumble up1826
crowd1838
rush1859
hurry1871
to get a move on1888
hurry and scurry1889
to buck up1890
to get a hump on1892
to get a wiggle on1896
to shake a leg1904
to smack it about1914
flurry1917
to step on it (her)1923
to make it snappy1926
jildi1930
to get an iggri on1946
ert-
society > travel > transport > transport or conveyance in a vehicle > driving or operating a vehicle > drive a vehicle [verb (intransitive)] > drive or operate a motor vehicle > accelerate or decelerate
accelerate1902
to open up1903
to open out1906
to step on the gas1916
to step on it (her)1923
to turn the wick up (or down)1948
to hit the floorboard1971
1923 R. Crothers Mary the Third ii. i. 53 This is life! Go on, Lynn! Step on her! (Lynn bends lower over the wheel.)
1926 G. H. Maines & B. Grant Wise-crack Dict. 13/1 Step on it, hurry.
1930 F. L. Packard Jimmie Dale & Blue Envelope Murder xxii. 316 Then for heaven's sake step on it, old man!
1939 G. Greene Confidential Agent iv. ii. 283 ‘Step on it, Joe.’ They ricocheted down the rough path.
1957 ‘N. Shute’ On Beach i. 27 Get up into it, and I'll step on it and show you how she goes.
1974 K. Clark Another Part of Wood vi. 234 His aim was to complain to M. Jean Zay that he was not getting enough drink. ‘Tell him to step on it’ he repeated.
1981 C. Leopold Night Fishers of Antibes lxxv. 201 All he had to do was to put the Citroën into second and step on it.
See simple senses and out of prep.
ΚΠ
1489 W. Caxton tr. C. de Pisan Bk. Fayttes of Armes i. xxiii. E iv Dyuerse rowes..full smothly renged and not steppyng out of place.
1594 W. Shakespeare Titus Andronicus i. i. 388 To step out of these dririe dumps. View more context for this quotation
1691 J. Hartcliffe Treat. Virtues 45 When we step out of the way of Virtue.
1704 J. Norris Ess. Ideal World II. v. 279 No sooner do we step out of selves, but we launch out into a vast sea of intelligible objects, where we see no shore.
1785 T. Martyn tr. J.-J. Rousseau Lett. Elements Bot. xxviii. 439 But here we are stepping out of our province.
To walk or stride across (an intervening space, cavity or obstacle); figurative to overstep n., transgress; to ‘skip’, miss or neglect in passing; also Military to be promoted to a position above (another who is considered to have a prior claim).
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > inattention > ignoring, disregard > ignore, disregard [verb (transitive)] > omit, pass over
forgetc950
overhipc1300
overgoa1382
overpassa1382
passa1382
to step over ——1387
to pass overc1390
overslipa1400
overskipc1400
overslide1488
overstartc1500
neglect1511
skip1531
to pass by1560
intermit1570
leap1600
overjump1604
jump1749
society > travel > aspects of travel > going on foot > traverse on foot [verb (transitive)] > across
to step over ——1387
the world > action or operation > prosperity > advancement or progress > outdoing or surpassing > outdo or surpass [verb (transitive)] > go beyond (bounds)
transcenda1340
exceedc1374
overwenda1375
overpassa1382
passc1390
to pass beyond ——1429
outreacha1568
overlash1581
pretergress1583
outrun1589
overslipa1592
surpass1592
to step over ——1599
outstep?1611
outstrip1612
overrun1612
outpass1635
pose1636
over-burst1856
overact1858
overstride1925
society > occupation and work > working > career > have career [verb (transitive)] > promote or upgrade > be promoted to position above (another)
to step over ——1802
1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden Polychron. (MS. β) (Rolls) VII. 527 Ȝif heo stapeth harmles over alle these stappes.
c1440 Promptorium Parvulorum 474/2 Steppyn ovyr a thynge, clunico.
a1525 Crying ane Playe 86 in W. A. Craigie Asloan MS (1925) II. 152 Or he of eld was ȝeris thre He wald stepe ouere þe occeane se.
1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 735/1 I wil steppe over this brooke, I holde the a peny.
1546 J. Heywood Dialogue Prouerbes Eng. Tongue i. xi. sig. Eiiv Where thou wilt not step ouer a strawe, I thynke.
1599 W. Shakespeare Romeo & Juliet iv. ii. 27 Not stepping ore the bounds of modestie. View more context for this quotation
1687 A. Lovell tr. J. de Thévenot Trav. into Levant i. 192 You must step over a great many people,..lying and tumbling confusedly in the Church.
1726 J. Swift Gulliver I. i. iv. 66 I stept over the great Western Gate.
1746 J. Wesley Princ. Methodist farther Explain'd 39 Stop, Sir. You are stepping over one or two Points, which I have not done with.
1802 C. James New Mil. Dict. To step over, to rise above another... As, young men of interest and connection frequently step over old soldiers.
1872 Earl of Pembroke & G. H. Kingsley South Sea Bubbles i. 23 We strolled about the gardens all the evening, stepping over or picking our way between the numerous babies that were scattered about the ground.
1885 E. Gosse From Shakespere to Pope An intellectual and fanciful..element, which really stepped over the Marinists, and linked the Elizabethans with the classical school.
†To address oneself vigorously to (a task, encounter, etc.). Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > undertaking > undertake [verb (transitive)] > vigorously or zealously
to step to ——1530
to fling oneself, one's energies, etc. into or upon1842
1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 734/2 Step to it, man, hardyment a cela. Steppe to it agayne and take better holde.
1540 J. Palsgrave tr. G. Gnapheus Comedye of Acolastus iv. iv. sig. Vj Let vs goo to it, or steppe to it (lyke men).
1540 J. Palsgrave tr. G. Gnapheus Comedye of Acolastus v. v. sig. Aaiijv What yf I steppe to it, and diuise some humble prayer to my father.
Compounds
The verb-stem in combination with adverbs and prepositions. See also step-down adj. and n., step-in n. and adj., step-out n., step-up adj. and n.
step-on adj. U.S. that may be operated by pressure of the foot.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > equipment > machine > types of machine generally > [adjective] > operated by hand or foot
manual1921
manually operated1921
step-on1945
offhand1966
1945 Richmond (Va.) Times-Dispatch 9 Nov. 24 (advt.) Step-on pail.
1978 Detroit Free Press 5 Mar. a 20 (advt.) Powerful cleaner has..Convenient step-on switch, easy~change bag holder.
Draft additions December 2005
intransitive. North American. to step (up) to the plate.
a. Baseball. To enter the batter's box for a turn at bat.
ΚΠ
1875 Burlington (Iowa) Weekly Hawk-eye 2 Sept. 3/2 Dead silence as the first of the Actives stepped to the plate.
1925 Washington Post 7 Sept. 12/3 All of Harris' regulars are potential hitters the minute they step up to the plate—just as much so as are their opponents.
2003 B. Hartinger Geogr. Club ix. 143 I stepped up to the plate again, waited for the pitcher's windup, and then promptly got my second strike.
b. figurative. To take action in response to an opportunity, crisis, or challenge; to take responsibility for something.
ΚΠ
1919 Washington Post 2 Nov. (Features section) 2/6 When William Harris, who produced the play, recently reached the conclusion that it was a failure, Mr. Shipman stepped up to the plate with a suggestion that he continue the run of the stage story ‘on his own’.
1961 H. S. Brody Paradox & Promise 4 Instead of being shouted down as intellectual snobs, these professors now came into their innings and they stepped up to the plate and swung for the circuit.
1991 Los Angeles Times (Electronic ed.) 24 May a1 It was just one more chance to dump in a minority community and the company thought the minority community was not going to step to the plate.
2004 Boston Globe (Nexis) 6 May e4 Directors..need to step up to the plate in order for investors to feel comfortable that they are properly represented as shareholders.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1916; most recently modified version published online June 2022).
> see also
also refers to : step-comb. form
> as lemmas
STEP
STEP n. sixth term entrance paper (for sixth-form pupils seeking entrance to the University of Cambridge).
ΘΚΠ
society > education > educational administration > examination > [noun] > school examinations
entrance examination1819
entrance exam1857
standard1862
skew1866
leaving examination1868
Oxford1871
entry exam1886
Abitur1918
higher1923
scholarship1950
A level1951
C.S.E.1963
international baccalaureate1966
A1979
Certificate of Secondary Education1981
AS1984
STEP1985
SAT1988
A21999
1985 Times Higher Educ. Suppl. 22 Mar. 8/4 Candidates will take the STEP exams in May in a maximum of two subjects.
1991 Sunday Tel. 3 Feb. 6/2 [The candidate] had been asked for two As and a B, instead of the usual three As and a grade 1 in a ‘step’ paper.
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n.1c825
n.21895
v.897see also
as lemmas