1. adj. & n.
--adj.
1. sloping sharply; almost perpendicular (a steep hill; steep stairs).
2 (of a rise or fall) rapid (a steep drop in share prices).
3 (predic.) colloq. a (of a demand, price, etc.) exorbitant; unreasonable (esp. a bit steep). b (of a story etc.) exaggerated; incredible.
--n. a steep slope; a precipice.
Derivatives:
steepen v.intr. & tr. steepish adj. steeply adv. steepness n.
Etymology: OE steap f. WG, rel. to STOOP(1) 2. v. & n.
--v.tr. soak or bathe in liquid.
--n.
1. the act or process of steeping.
2 the liquid for steeping.
Phrases and idioms:
steep in 1 pervade or imbue with (steeped in misery).
2 make deeply acquainted with (a subject etc.) (steeped in the classics).
Etymology: ME f. OE f. Gmc (as STOUP)