Gradatory

3 definitions found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  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]

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

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

From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]:

  gradatory
       adj : slowly and smoothly [syn: {gradational}, {graduated}]