Defn: A step or raised shelf, as above a sideboard or altar. Cf.
Superaltar, and Gradin.
GRADUAL
Grad"u*al"; a. Etym: [Cf; F. graduel. See Grade, and cf. Gradual, n.]
Defn: 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.
GRADUAL Grad"u*al, n. Etym: [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.
GRADUALITY
Grad"u*al"i*ty, n.
Defn: The state of being gradual; gradualness. [R.] Sir T. Browne.
GRADUALLY
Grad"u*al*ly, adv.
1. In a gradual manner.