Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Steeper \Steep"er\, n.
   A vessel, vat, or cistern, in which things are steeped.

Steep \Steep\, a. [Comper. {Steeper}; superl. {Steepest}.] [OE.
   steep, step, AS. ste['a]p; akin to Icel. steyp?r steep, and
   st[=u]pa to stoop, Sw. stupa to fall, to tilt; cf. OFries.
   stap high. Cf. {Stoop}, v. i., {Steep}, v. t., {Steeple}.]
   1. Making a large angle with the plane of the horizon;
      ascending or descending rapidly with respect to a
      horizontal line or a level; precipitous; as, a steep hill
      or mountain; a steep roof; a steep ascent; a steep
      declivity; a steep barometric gradient.

   2. Difficult of access; not easy reached; lofty; elevated;
      high. [Obs.] --Chapman.

   3. Excessive; as, a steep price. [Slang]

Source : WordNet®

steeper
     n : a vessel (usually a pot or vat) used for steeping