To step off, to measure by steps, or paces; hence, to divide, as a
space, or to form a series of marks, by successive measurements, as
with dividers.
Step, n. [AS. stæpe. See Step, v. i.] 1. An advance or movement made by
one removal of the foot; a pace.
2. A rest, or one of a set of rests, for the foot in ascending or
descending, as a stair, or a round of a ladder.
The breadth of every single step or stair should be never less than
one foot.
Sir H. Wotton.
3. The space passed over by one movement of the foot in walking or
running; as, one step is generally about three feet, but may be more or
less. Used also figuratively of any kind of progress; as, he improved
step by step, or by steps.
To derive two or three general principles of motion from phenomena,
and afterwards to tell us how the properties and actions of all
corporeal things follow from those manifest principles, would be a
very great step in philosophy.
Sir I. Newton.