GRADATORY
gradational, gradatory, graduated
(adjective) taking place by degrees
Source: WordNet® 3.1
Etymology
Noun
gradatory (plural gradatories)
(architecture) A series of steps from a cloister into a church.
Adjective
gradatory (comparative more gradatory, superlative most gradatory)
Proceeding step by step; gradual.
• A. Seward
(zoology) Suitable for walking; said of the limbs of an animal when adapted for walking on land.
Source: Wiktionary
Grad"a*to*ry, a. Etym: [See Grade.]
1. Proceeding step by step, or by gradations; gradual.
Could we have seen [Macbeth's] crimes darkening on their progress . .
. could this gradatory apostasy have been shown us. A. Seward.
2. (Zoöl.)
Definition: Suitable for walking; -- said of the limbs of an animal when
adapted for walking on land.
Grad"a*to*ry, n. Etym: [Cf. LL. gradatarium.] (Arch.)
Definition: A series of steps from a cloister into a church.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition