stagewise I. \ˈ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷\adjective Etymology:stage (I) + wise : theatrically knowledgeable or effective < a stagewise director > < less commanding as musical compositions, but bright and stagewise — C.M.Smith > II. adverb Etymology:stage (I) + -wise : with respect to the stage : on the stage < known stagewise by another name >