ETYM Old Eng. steir, steyer, AS. steger, from thigan to ascend, rise. Related to Sty to ascend.
(Homonym: stare).
A step, as in a stairway.

ETYM as. staepe. Related to Step.
(Homonym: steppe).
1. A place to rest the foot while ascending or descending a stairway; SYN. stair.
2. A short distance.
3. The act of changing location by raising the foot and setting it down.