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\ ˈstep-ˌin 
\
\Definition of step-in
(Entry 1 of 2)
: an article of clothing put on by being stepped into: such as
a : a shoe resembling but usually having a higher vamp than a pump and having concealed elastic to adjust the fit
b : short panties for women
—usually used in plural
step in
verbstepped in; stepping in; steps in
Definition of step in (Entry 2 of 2)
1a : to intervene in an affair or dispute
b : to act as a replacement
2 : to make a brief informal visit
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Time Traveler for step-in
The first known use of step-in was in the 15th century
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