noun
a pause; a break; a while; once; some time ago
Often used as 一切り (or ひと切り) to indicate a temporary stop or a period of time. Can also mean 'once' or 'some years ago' in certain contexts. The sense 'step' is rare and mostly found in older texts.
仕事が一切りついたら、お茶にしましょう。
Let's have tea once the work comes to a pause.
彼は一切り前、この町に住んでいた。
He lived in this town some years ago.
一区切り (ひとくぎり) is more common for 'a break' or 'a milestone', while 一切り is less frequent and can also mean 'once' or 'some time ago'.
Compound of 一 (ひと, 'one') and 切り (きり, 'cut, end'). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the word likely developed from the idea of 'cutting once' to mean a pause or a period.