steepers

Noun

steeper (plural steepers)

1. A vessel, vat, or cistern in which things are steeped.
   • The piping A', B', C' is arranged so that the contents of each cistern can be passed through any one of the steepers. The steepers have perforated false bottoms, shown in plan in Fig. 2, […]1879, H. Wilson, patent 4035, in Patents for Inventions: Abridgments of Specifications: […], page 38
2. The stem of a shrub or small tree in a hedgerow, often laid by being partially cut through at the base in the process of laying a hedge.
3. (England, Scotland) A downpour; a soaking rain.
   • "Thou may weel say a time like this," replied Ab, switchign the rain from his hat, "for it's a steeper, and nought else. It's I've bin th' weetest back - end we'n had this ten year! down to th' market, an' just as I coom by th' Cross, owd Job Sutcliffe, th' barber, axed me to co' wi' a pair o'...1878, Edwin Waugh, The Hermit Cobbler, page 46