stepquote

noun2

1. •
   A message in the grid of a crossword, split between multiple lights and arranged in a zigzag or steplike pattern.

   • No Stepquote seems to make sense. The open diagonal, 63 to 11, gives 'KLEURTIWIAAOUOA,' which doesn't have the feel of a message at first glance, even reading in the other direction. — 1986
2. •
   A crossword puzzle including such a message.

   • Later Joseph Cotten and I became pen pals because he liked my Stepquotes, and Frank Sinatra's secretary proudly informed me that her boss does the Times puzzles in ink. — 1984