Steady, a. [Compar. Steadier; superl. Steadiest.]
Etymology: [Cf. AS. stedig sterile, barren, stæ, steady (in gestæ), D. stedig, stadig, steeg, G. stätig, stetig. See Stead, n.]
1. Firm in standing or position; not tottering or shaking; fixed; firm. "The softest, steadiest plume." Keble. Their feet steady, their hands diligent, their eyes watchful, and their hearts resolute. Sir P. Sidney.
2. Constant in feeling, purpose, or pursuit; not fickle, changeable, or wavering; not easily moved or persuaded to alter a purpose; resolute; as, a man steady in his principles, in his purpose, or in the pursuit of an object.
3. Regular; constant; undeviating; uniform; as, the steady course of the sun; a steady breeze of wind.
Syn. -- Fixed; regular; uniform; undeviating; invariable; unremitted; stable. Steady rest (Mach), a rest in a turning lathe, to keep a long piece of work from trembling.
2 other Webster entries under this spelling
Steady, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Steadied; p. pr. & vb. n. Steadying.]
To make steady; to hold or keep from shaking, reeling, or falling; to make or keep firm; to support; to make constant, regular, or resolute.
Steady, v. i.
To become steady; to regain a steady position or state; to move steadily. Without a breeze, without a tide, She steadies with upright keel. Coleridge.
Shades of meaning
Fernald lists steady only as an antonym, under precarious.
He lists it without comment; the entries above explain its neighbors.