Steep, a. [Comper. Steeper (?); superl. Steepest.] [OE. steep, step,
AS. steáp; akin to Icel. steyp&?;r steep, and stpa 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.