Re"tro*grade (?), a. [L. retrogradus, from retrogradi, retrogressus, to retrograde; retro back + gradi to step: cf. F. r'etrograde. See Grade.] 1. Astron. Apparently moving backward, and contrary to the succession of the signs, that is, from east to west, as a planet.
Hutton.
And if he be in the west side in that condition, then is he retrograde.
Chaucer.
2. Tending or moving backward; having a backward course; contrary; as, a retrograde motion; -- opposed to progressive. "Progressive and not retrograde."
Bacon.
It is most retrograde to our desire.
Shak.
3. Declining from a better to a worse state; as, a retrograde people; retrograde ideas, morals, etc.
Bacon.
© Webster 1913.
Re"tro*grade, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Retrograded (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Retrograding.] [L. retrogradare, retrogradi: cf. F. r'etrograder.] 1. To go in a retrograde direction; to move, or appear to move, backward, as a planet.
2. Hence, to decline from a better to a worse condition, as in morals or intelligence.
© Webster 1913. | 
