adv. [f. STEEPLE sb.1 + -WISE.] After the manner of a steeple; in a conical or pyramidal form. Also, † after a steeple wise.
1545. Raynalde, Byrth Mankynde, I. ix. 17. [Veins] enlargynge them selfe lytell and lytyll stepel wyse not fully rounde but flattyshe before and behynde.
1545. Elyot, Dict., Pyramidatus, made steeple wise brode beneth, and small and sharpe vpward.
1582. Batman, Barth. de P. R., III. xvii. 18. Not onelie the lykenesse of the thinge seene commeth to the sight after a steeple wise [Trevisa shelde wise], but also [etc.].
1637. Heywood, Dialogues, II. 26. His crowne Picked, made steeple-wise.
a. 1661. Fuller, Worthies, Chester (1662), 192. He erected a seemly Waterwork built Steeplewise at the Bridgegate.
1725. Bradley’s Family Dict., s.v. Pears, When they serve them up, they range them handsomly upon a Dish Roseways, and mount them one upon another Steeplewise.
