2. The state of being retrograde; decline.
RETROGRADE Re"tro*grade, a. Etym: [L. retrogradus, from retrogradi, retrogressus, to retrograde; retro back + gradi to step: cf. F. rétrograde. See Grade.]
1. (Astron.)
Defn: 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 Ant: 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.
RETROGRADE
Re"tro*grade, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Retrograded; p. pr. & vb. n.
Retrograding.] Etym: [L. retrogradare, retrogradi: cf. F.
rétrograder.]
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.
RETROGRADINGLY
Re"tro*gra`ding*ly, adv.