adj. & n.
--adj.
1. taking place or progressing slowly or by degrees.
2 not rapid or steep or abrupt.
--n. Eccl.
1. a response sung or recited between the Epistle and Gospel in the Mass.
2 a book of music for the sung Mass service.
Derivatives:
gradually adv. gradualness n.
Etymology: med.L gradualis, -ale f. L gradus step, the noun referring to the altar-steps on which the response is sung