stepping noun. ['stɛpɪŋ] LME.
[from STEP verb + -ING¹.]
1. The action of STEP verb; an instance of this. LME.
b. In pl. Footsteps, footprints. L16-M17.
c. The step-by-step movement of a stepping device (see STEPPING ppl adjective). M20.

2. a. In pl. Steps, stairs. Also, stone for making steps. Only in 17.
b. Nautical. A rabbet taken out of the deadwood, for the heels of the timbers to step on. E19.

Comb.:
stepping-off place = jumping-off place s.v. JUMPING verbal noun; stepping-stile: formed by steps projecting from a wall; stepping-stone (a) a raised stone (usu. one of a series) placed in the bed of a stream, on muddy ground, etc., to facilitate crossing on foot; (b) fig. something used as a means of advancement in a career or of making progress towards some object.

[TahlilGaran] English Dictionary ▲

stepping ppl adjective. ['stɛpɪŋ] M20.
[from STEP verb + -ING².]
Of an electric motor or other electromechanical device: designed to make a rapid succession of small equal movements in response to a pulsed input.

[TahlilGaran] English Dictionary ▲