Definition of gradual

• n. - 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.
• n. - An antiphon or responsory after the epistle, in the Mass, which was sung on the steps, or while the deacon ascended the steps.
• n. - A service book containing the musical portions of the Mass.
• n. - A series of steps.