What is "gradatory"

Gradatory \Grad"a*to*ry\, a. [See Grade.]

1. Proceeding step by step, or by gradations; gradual.

   Could we have seen [Macbeth's] crimes darkening on their progress . . . could this gradatory apostasy have been shown us.
   --A. Seward.

2. (Zo["o]l.) Suitable for walking; -- said of the limbs of an animal when adapted for walking on land.

Gradatory \Grad"a*to*ry\, n. [Cf. LL. gradatarium.] (Arch.) A series of steps from a cloister into a church.

a. 1 Proceeding step by step; gradual. 2 (context zoology English) Suitable for walking; said of the limbs of an animal when adapted for walking on land. n. (context architecture English) A series of steps from a cloister into a church.

adj. slowly and smoothly [syn: gradational, graduated]