Emily Dickinson Lexicon

STEP, n. [Sax. stæp; D. stap; G. stufe; W. tap, a ledge; tapiaw, to form a step or ledge.]

1. A pace; an advance or movement made by one removal of the foot.
2. One remove in ascending or descending; a stair. The breadth of every single step or stair should be never less than one foot. – Wotton.
3. The space passed by the foot in walking or running. The step of one foot is generally five feet; it may be more or less.
4. A small space or distance. Let us go to the gardens; it is but a step.
5. The distance between the feet in walking or running.
6. Gradation; degree. We advance in improvement step by step, or by steps.
7. Progression; act of advancing. To derive two or three general principles of motion from phenomena, and afterward tell us how the properties and actions of all corporeal things follow from those manifest principles, would be a great step in philosophy. – Newton.
8. Footstep; print or impression of the foot; track. – Dryden.
9. Gait; manner of walking. The approach of a man is often known by his step.
10. Proceeding; measure; action. The reputation of a man depends on the first steps he makes in the world. – Pope.
11. The round of a ladder.
12. Steps in the plural, walk; passage. Conduct my steps to find the fatal tree / In this deep forest. – Dryden.
13. Pieces of timber in which the foot of a mast is fixed.
14. The bottom support on which the lower end of an upright shaft or wheel rests. – Haldiman.