(ppl.) a. [f. STEP sb. and v. + -ED.] Having a step or steps; formed in a series of steps (see STEP v. 12).
1833. Loudon, Encycl. Archit., § 1890. In this style we have the simple gable of two lines … and the stepped gable.
1861. Beresf. Hope, Eng. Cathedr. 19th C., v. 155. The more grandiose yet theatrical form of the stepped bema.
1869. Rankine, Machinery & Millwork, iv. § 150. Stepped Teeth…. A wheel with stepped teeth.
1875. W. M‘Ilwraith, Guide to Wigtownshire, 62. The stepped path on the cliff.
1875. Knight, Dict. Mech., 2376/1. Stepped Gage, one having a series of notches which may fit varying sizes of holes. Ibid. The stepped key was shown in Rountree’s lock, English patent, 1790.
1881. E. Wilson, Egypt of Past, 24. The stepped pyramid.
1893. J. A. R. Munro, in Athenæum, 4 Nov., 632/2. The inscribed field of the architrave … occupies the top of the blocks above a stepped surface.
1898. M. Hewlett, Forest Lovers, xiv. There are three ravines about it, with a stepped path through each to the Castle.
