As in regard to the the words "step-mother", "step-child", "step-etc."
 Where did the "step" originate from and what exactly does it pertain
to.  My guess would just be that is means removed from....but I'm not
sure.

Hi stressmathers,

As one etymology page puts it, "I think you're going to be surprised
by the etymology of stepmother/stepfather" etc.  That page, as well as
others, explains that "step" originally meant "bereaved" (close to
"removed from", I suppose), or in combination with other words,
"orphan".  Thus, etymologically, a step-parent is one who becomes
parent to an orphan child, while a step-child is an orphan who becomes
a son or daughter by a parent's remarriage.

"Issue 9" (September 28, 1998) (scroll down to "From Sarah and Warren:")
Take Our Word for It
http://www.takeourword.com/Issue009.html

"Words to the Wise" (Issue 188, page 2)
Take Our Word for It
http://www.takeourword.com/TOW188/page2.html

"ETYMOLOGY Stap-Sti" (entry for "step-")
Online Etymology Dictionary
http://www.etymonline.com/s11etym.htm

- justaskscott


Search terms used on Google:

etymology step stepmother