Stair, n.
(4), n. [A-S. stæger, from A-S. & O. H. Ger. stigan, to ascend, rise, Goth. steigan, N. H. Ger. steigen, D. stijgen, O. D. steghen, steeghen, L. Ger. stigen, O. D. stegher, steegher, grade, steps, steygher, N. D. steiger, the slope of a bank; L. Ger. stiege, H. Ger. steige, Dan. stige, Sw. stege, Icel. & O. H. Ger. stigi, a ladder, a staircase.]
Sense 1. One step of a series, for ascending or descending to a different level; — commonly applied to those within a building, and not to such as ascend outside to the entrance.
Sense 2. A series of steps, as for passing from one story of a house to another; — commonly used in the plural; but anciently and originally so applied, and only so, in the singular. “A winding stair.” Chaucer.
Below stairs, in the basement or lower part of a house; as, high life below stairs. — Flight of stairs, the stairs which make the whole ascent of a story; or, in winding stairs, those from one landing or turn to another. — Pair of stairs, a set or flight of stairs; — a legitimate expression, pair, in this phrase, having its ancient meaning of a set. See PAIR. — Stair-carpet, a carpet to be laid down upon stairs; a carpet for a flight of stairs. — Up stairs, in the higher or better rooms of a house.