Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Gradation
1.
The act of progressing by regular steps or orderly arrangement; the state of being graded or arranged in ranks;
as, the gradation of castes
. 2.
The act or process of bringing to a certain grade.
3.
Any degree or relative position in an order or series.
The several
gradations
of the intelligent universe. I. Taylor.
4.
(Fine Arts)
A gradual passing from one tint to another or from a darker to a lighter shade, as in painting or drawing.
6.
(Mus.)
A diatonic ascending or descending succession of chords.
Gra-da′tion
,Verb.
T.
To form with gradations.
[R.]
Webster 1828 Edition
Gradation
GRADA'TION
,Noun.
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.