A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 2001 (DOST Vol. IX).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
(Stepe,) Steip(e, Steep, adj. [ME and e.m.E. stæp (Orm), steap (Layamon), stepe (c1320) steep (c1400), steype (15th c.), OE stéap.]
1. Of a mountain, etc.: Precipitous.c1600 Pont Cunningham 4.
A steipe, round and heigh toped rockey montaine 1630-1651 Gordon Geneal. Hist. 228.
A steip and rough hill 1683 Garden in Macfarlane's Geog. Coll. II 135.
The sea rocks are very steep and high 1696 Glasgow Chart. II 265.
A steep hill, hardly (if at all) rydable 16… Macfarlane's Geog. Coll. III 111.
Lintoun Linn, which is a steep downfall of water from a rock
2. Of rain: Heavy.1659 A. Hay Diary 149.
I cam away from Lanerick in a very steep raine
