1560s, "appearing on a stage," past-participle adjective from stage (v.). Meaning "proceeding in stages" is from 1960.
Entries linking to staged
stage v.
early 14c., "to erect, construct," from stage (n.). The meaning "put into a play" is from c. 1600; that of "put (a play) on the stage" first recorded 1879; general sense of "to mount" (a comeback, etc.) is attested from 1924. Related: Staged; staging.