gradatory

3 definitions found

gradatory - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Gradatory \Grad"a*to*ry\, a. [See Grade.]
     1. Proceeding step by step, or by gradations; gradual.
        [1913 Webster]
  
              Could we have seen [Macbeth's] crimes darkening on
              their progress . . . could this gradatory apostasy
              have been shown us.                   --A. Seward.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. (Zool.) Suitable for walking; -- said of the limbs of an
        animal when adapted for walking on land.
        [1913 Webster]

  Gradatory \Grad"a*to*ry\, n. [Cf. LL. gradatarium.] (Arch.)
     A series of steps from a cloister into a church.
     [1913 Webster]

gradatory - WordNet (r) 2.1 (2005) :

  gradatory
      adj 1: taking place by degrees [syn: gradational, gradatory,
             graduated]