Stope /(?)/

1. A horizontal working forming one of a series, the working faces of which present the appearance of a flight of steps. (Mining)

imp. & p. p. Stoped; p. pr. & vb. n. Stoping

1. To excavate in the form of stopes. (Mining)

1. Stepped; gone; advanced. [Obs.]

   A poor widow, somedeal stope in age.