What is "an accumulation of degrees"

Accumulation \Ac*cu`mu*la"tion\, n. [L. accumulatio; cf. F. accumulation.]

1. The act of accumulating, the state of being accumulated, or that which is accumulated; as, an accumulation of earth, of sand, of evils, of wealth, of honors.

2. (Law) The concurrence of several titles to the same proof.

   Accumulation of energy or power, the storing of energy by means of weights lifted or masses put in motion; electricity stored.

   An accumulation of degrees (Eng. Univ.), the taking of several together, or at smaller intervals than usual or than is allowed by the rules.