Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary · 1913

Retrograde

Retrograde , adjective

[Latin retrogradus, from retrogradi, retrogressus, to retrograde; retro back + gradi to step: compare French rétrograde. See Grade.]

1.
(Astronomy) 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 progressive.
Progressive and not retrograde. — Bacon
It is most retrograde to our desire. — Shakespeare
3.
Declining from a better to a worse state; as, a retrograde people; retrograde ideas, morals, etc. — Bacon

Retrograde , intransitive verb

[Latin retrogradare, retrogradi: compare French 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.