Crossword Genius

Step early in la vita di Cristo? (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

tread

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'step' is the definition.
(synonyms)

I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.

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(Other definitions for tread that I've seen before include "Part of flight" , "Grooves on tyre" , "Top surface of a stair step" , "Stomp heavily" , "pace" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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