An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

A single step or phase in an ongoing process.

Etymology (EN): M.E., from O.Fr. estage “a story or floor of a building, stage for performance,” from V.L. *staticum “a place for standing,” from L. statum, p.p. of stare “to stand.”

Etymology (PE): Gâmé, from gâm “step, pace” (related to âmadan “to come”); Mid.Pers. gâm “step, stride, pace;”
O.Pers. gam- “to come; to go;” Av. gam- “to come; to go,” jamaiti “goes;” cf. Skt. gamati “goes;” Gk. bainein “to go, walk, step;” L. venire “to come;” Tocharian A käm- “to come;” O.H.G. queman “to come;” E. come; PIE stem *gwem- “to go, come.”