2 entries under this word

Gradual

Grād'ū-al, a.

adjective

(grād'ū-al), a. [Fr. graduel, Pr., Sp., & Pg. gradual, It. graduale. See GRADE.] Proceeding by steps or degrees; advancing, step by step, in ascent or descent; 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.

Grād'ū-al, n.

noun

n. [L. Lat. graduale, gradale, O. Fr. graduel, Pr. & Sp. gradual, It. graduale. See supra.]

An order of steps. Dryden.
An ancient book of hymns and prayers; so called because some of the anthems were chanted on the steps (gradus) of the pulpit. Hook.