a series of steps of stone or wood, or a combination of bars and steps used for passing over a fence or wall without the necessity of a permanent open passage or of opening or shutting a gate. The Old English, stigel is formed from stigan, to climb, ascend; stair (0. Eng. staeger) and stirrup are from the same root. Stile (Lat stilus, a pointed instrument) is really the correct spelling of style.