ˈgrādəs noun
( -es )
Etymology: from Gradus ad Parnassum (Latin, literally, a step to Parnassus), a 17th century prosody dictionary long used in British schools
1. : a dictionary of Greek or Latin prosody and poetical phrases used as an aid in the writing of verse in Greek or Latin
2. : a handbook (as of law phrases or forms) or exercise book to assist in the mastering or performance of a difficult art or practice