footstep

noun

Etymology: From Middle English fotstep, fotstappe, from Old English *fōtstepe, *fōtstæpe (attested only in derivative fōtstappel (“footstep”)), equivalent to foot + step. Cognate with Saterland Frisian Foutstappe (“footstep”), West Frisian fuotstap (“footstep”), Dutch voetstap (“footstep”).

1. The mark or impression left by a foot; a track.

   “The child watched as his footsteps in the sand were washed away by the waves.”

2. The indications or waypoints of a course or direction taken.

   “To walk the footsteps of greatness requires that you start at the bottom of a long stair.”

   “follow in someone's footsteps”

3. The sound made by walking, running etc.

   “The footsteps of the students echoed in the empty hall.”

   “Hear footsteps creak the floor / The shadows give away / Someone outside the door / Won't let 'em in”

4. A step, as in a stair.

   “The garden path had a small footstep down to the main walkway.”

5. The distance between one foot and the next when walking; a pace.

   “Mere footsteps away from the victim lay the murder weapon.”

6. The act of taking a step.

   “Take one more footstep towards me, and I'll make you sorry!”

   “God moves in a myſterious way, / His wonders to perform; / He plants his footſteps in the ſea, / And rides upon the ſtorm.”

7. An inclined plane under a hand printing press.