ˈ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷ noun
( plural stepchildren )
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English stēopcild orphan, from stēop- step- + cild child — more at child
1. : a child of one's wife or husband by a former marriage
2. : one that fails to receive proper care or attention
music is … a stepchild in most of our academic institutions — P.H.Lang