'Stepping-stone' definitions:

Definition of 'Stepping-stone'

From: GCIDE

Stepping-stone \Step"ping-stone`\, n.
1. A stone to raise the feet above the surface of water or mud in walking. [1913 Webster]
2. Fig.: A means of progress or advancement. [1913 Webster]
These obstacles his genius had turned into stepping-stones. --Macaulay. [1913 Webster]
That men may rise on stepping-stones Of their dead selves to higher things. --Tennyson. [1913 Webster]