\Grad"u*al"\; a. [Cf; F. graduel. See {Grade}, and cf.
{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.
      Creatures animate with gradual life Of growth, sense,
      reason, all summed up in man.            --Milton.

\Grad"u*al\, n. [LL. graduale a gradual (in sense 1),
fr. L. gradus step: cf. F. graduel. See {Grade}, and cf.
{Grail} a gradual.]
1. (R. C. Ch.)
   (a) An antiphon or responsory after the epistle, in the
       Mass, which was sung on the steps, or while the deacon
       ascended the steps.
   (b) A service book containing the musical portions of the
       Mass.
2. A series of steps. [Obs.] --Dryden.