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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 (gcide)

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.
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2. A series of steps. [Obs.] --Dryden.
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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.
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Creatures animate with gradual life
Of growth, sense, reason, all summed up in man.
--Milton.
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