STEEP Steep, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Steeped (stept); p. pr. & vb. n. Steeping.] Etym: [OE. stepen, probably fr. Icel. steypa to cause to stoop, cast down, pour out, to cast metals, causative of stupa to stoop; cf. Sw. stöpa to cast, to steep, Dan. stöbe, D. & G. stippen to steep, to dip. Cf. Stoop, v. t.]
Defn: To soak in a liquid; to macerate; to extract the essence of by
soaking; as, to soften seed by steeping it in water. Often used
figuratively.
Let fancy still my sense in Lethe steep. Shak.
In refreshing dew to steep The little, trembling flowers. Wordsworth.
The learned of the nation were steeped in Latin. Earle.
STEEP
Steep, v. i.
Defn: To undergo the process of soaking in a liquid; as, the tea is steeping. [Colloq.]
STEEP
Steep, n.
1. Something steeped, or used in steeping; a fertilizing liquid to hasten the germination of seeds.
2. A rennet bag. [Prov. Eng.]
STEEP Steep, a. [Comper. Steeper; superl. Steepest.] Etym: [OE. steep, step, AS. steáp; akin to Icel. steyp steep, and stupa to stoop, Sw. stupa to fall, to tilt; cf. OFries. stap high. Cf. Stoop, v. i., Steep, v. t., Steeple.]
1. Making a large angle with the plane of the horizon; ascending or descending rapidly with respect to a horizontal line or a level; precipitous; as, a steep hill or mountain; a steep roof; a steep ascent; a steep declivity; a steep barometric gradient.
2. Difficult of access; not easy reached; lofty; elevated; high. [Obs.] Chapman.