understep

Etymology

From under- + step.

understep means underneath a step. Lexicurio rates it Sui generis — a strength score of 92 out of 100.

adj

Underneath a step.“Escalator modernization including handrail speed monitors, Safe-T- Brakes, emergency stop relocation, understep lighting, reconditioning of steps and related improvements.”

A gait in which the hind feet touch the ground behind the point where the front feet touch the ground.“The resulting trail is an understep walk—the hind tracks in each pair register behind the front tracks.”
A step that acts as a base to hold something.“Written in minuscule script and placed on the shaded understep at the feet of the Virgin, the pious dedication was appropriate for the subject and its intended location.”
The underside of a step.“In the back room and understeps, recessed lights are used.”
A movement in which one understeps.“Understeps were easy to detect, as the paw missed the rung entirely and the rat had to catch itself so it didn't stumble.”

Not to go as far as a boundary or limit.“The Questers were many, and fortunately the Answerer did not too often overstep or understep the mark.”
To take a step that is not far enough forward.“As an instance of this inability to control the muscles well, may be cited the almost constant tendency to understep or overstep especially with the fore legs.”
To have a gait in which the hind foot touches the ground behind the point where the front foot touches the ground.“As a general rule, a stag treads more cleanly than a hind, his stride is longer, the slot itself being rounder and less elongated ; while a hind or young stag understeps frequently, leaving in consequence a more or less double track.”