steeper

noun3

1. •
   A vessel, vat, or cistern in which things are steeped.

   • The piping A', B', C' is arranged so that the contents of each cistern can be passed through any one of the steepers. The steepers have perforated false bottoms, shown in plan in Fig. 2, […] — 1879
2. •
   The stem of a shrub or small tree in a hedgerow, often laid by being partially cut through at the base in the process of laying a hedge.
3. •
   (Scotland) A downpour; a soaking rain.

   • It's a steeper, nah, is this, an' reight an' all. — 1898