1678 J. Moxon I. ii. 22 In Fig. 3. AAAA the Cover-plate [of a spring-lock],..E the Step ward, or Dap ward. In Fig. 4. A the Pin-hole [of a key], B the Step or Dap ward.
1797 X. 111/2 To the cover-plate belong the pin, main-ward, cross-ward, step-ward or dap-ward.