Hypertext Webster Gateway: "Gradual"
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Gradual \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.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Gradual \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.
From WordNet (r) 1.7 (wn)
gradual
adj 1: proceeding in small stages; "a gradual increase in prices"
[ant: {sudden}]
2: of a topographical gradient; not steep or abrupt; "a gradual
slope" [ant: {steep}]
n : (Roman Catholic) an antiphon (usually from the Book of
Psalms) immediately after the epistle at Mass
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