Grad"u*al" (?); a. [Cf; F. graduel. See Grade, and cf. Gradual, n.]

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.

 

© Webster 1913.


Grad"u*al, n. [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 1913.

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