n. [ Cf. Step, n. & v. i. ] (Mining) A horizontal working forming one of a series, the working faces of which present the appearance of a flight of steps. [ 1913 Webster ]
v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Stoped p. pr. & vb. n. Stoping. ] (Mining) (a) To excavate in the form of stopes. (b) To fill in with rubbish, as a space from which the ore has been worked out. [ 1913 Webster ]