gradual

Etymology

From Medieval Latin graduālis, from Latin gradus (“step”), from Proto-Indo-European *gʰradʰ-, *gʰredʰ- (“to walk, go”). Cognate with Gothic 𐌲𐍂𐌹𐌸𐍃 (griþs, “step, grade”), Bavarian Gritt (“step, stride”).

adj

  1. Proceeding or advancing by small, slow, regular steps or degrees
    a gradual increase of knowledge; a gradual decline

noun

  1. (Christianity) An antiphon or responsory after the epistle, in the Mass, which was sung on the steps, or while the deacon ascended the steps.
  2. (Christianity) A service book containing the musical portions of the Mass.

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