Pĕd'e-tĕn'-toŭs, a.

a. [Lat. pes, pedis, foot, and tendere, to stretch out. Cf. Lat. pedetentim, by degrees.] Proceeding step by step; of cautious and measured advance. [Rare.]

Never done with that pedetentous pace and pedetentous mind in which it behoves the wise and virtuous improver to walk. Sydney Smith.