The Netherlands . . . were reduced practically to a
very degraded condition. --Motley.
2. (Biol.) Having the typical characters or organs in a
partially developed condition, or lacking certain parts.
Some families of plants are degraded dicotyledons.
--Dana.
3. [Cf. F. degr['e] step.] (Her.) Having steps; -- said of a
cross each of whose extremities finishes in steps growing
larger as they leave the center; -- termed also on
degrees.
Prynne was sentenced by the Star Chamber Court to be
degraded from the bar. --Palfrey.
2. To reduce in estimation, character, or reputation; to
lessen the value of; to lower the physical, moral, or
intellectual character of; to debase; to bring shame or
contempt upon; to disgrace; as, vice degrades a man.
O miserable mankind, to what fall Degraded, to what
wretched state reserved! --Milton.
Yet time ennobles or degrades each line. --Pope.
Her pride . . . struggled hard against this
degrading passion. --Macaulay.
3. (Geol.) To reduce in altitude or magnitude, as hills and
mountains; to wear down.
Syn: To abase; demean; lower; reduce. See {Abase}.