3 definitions found
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 1.6 [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
more about gradual
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