Gradual

Part of speech: noun (n.)

1. An antiphon or responsory after the epistle, in the Mass, which was sung on the steps, or while the deacon ascended the steps.

2. A service book containing the musical portions of the Mass.

3. A series of steps. [Obs.] Dryden.

Part of speech: adjective (a.)

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. Creatures animate with gradual life Of growth, sense, reason, all summed up in man. Milton.