Gradual
Gradual , adjective
[Cf; French graduel. See Grade, and compare 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.
Gradual , noun
[Late Latin graduale a gradual (in sense 1), from Latin gradus step: compare French graduel. See Grade, and compare Grail a gradual.]
1.
(a) (Roman Catholic Church) An antiphon or responsory after the epistle, in the Mass, which was sung on the steps, or while the deacon ascended the steps.
(b)
(Roman Catholic Church) A service book containing the musical portions of the Mass.
2.
A series of steps. [Obsolete] — Dryden