Emily Dickinson Lexicon

steep (-est), adj. [OE 'steep, declivity'; see stoop, v.] (webplay: hill).

1. Acute; sharp in angle; near vertical in slope.
2. Elevated; high-pitched; [word play] saturated; soaked; concentrated.
3. Craggy; rugged; ascending quickly in altitude; [fig.] treacherous; difficult; challenging.