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Webster 1913 Edition

Gradual

Grad′u-al′

;
Adj.
[Cf; F.
graduel
. See
Grade
, and cf.
Gradual
,
Noun.
]
Proceeding by steps or degrees; advancing, step by step, as in ascent or descent or from one state to another; regularly progressive; slow;
as, a
gradual
increase of knowledge; a
gradual
decline.
Creatures animate with
gradual
life
Of growth, sense, reason, all summed up in man.
Milton.

Grad′u-al

,
Noun.
[LL.
graduale
a gradual (in sense 1), fr. L.
gradus
step: cf. F.
graduel
. See
Grade
, and cf.
Grail
a gradual.]
1.
(R. C. Ch.)
(a)
An antiphon or responsory after the epistle, in the Mass, which was sung on the steps, or while the deacon ascended the steps.
(b)
A service book containing the musical portions of the Mass.
2.
A series of steps.
[Obs.]
Dryden.

Webster 1828 Edition

Gradual

GRAD'UAL

,
Adj.
Proceeding by steps or degrees; advancing step by step; passing from one step to another; regular and slow; as a gradual increase of knowledge; a gradual increase of light in the morning is favorable to the eyes.
1.
Proceeding by degrees in a descending line or progress; as a gradual decline.

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