GRADA'TION, noun [Latin gradatio.] 1. A series of ascending steps or degrees, or a proceeding step by step; hence, progress from one degree or state to another; a regular advance from step to step. We observe a gradation in the progress of society from a rude to civilized life. Men may arrive by several gradations to the most horrid impiety. 2. A degree in any order or series; we observe a gradation in the scale of being, from brute to mane, from man to angels. 3. Order; series; regular process by degrees or steps; as a gradation in argument or description.
Source: Webster's 1828 American Dictionary ↗ · public-domain · returned verbatim, no AI