v. i. [ imp. & p. p. Steepened p. pr. & vb. n. Steepening. ] To become steep or steeper. [ 1913 Webster ]
As the way steepened . . . I could detect in the hollow of the hill some traces of the old path. H. Miller. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. A vessel, vat, or cistern, in which things are steeped. [ 1913 Webster ]