Emily Dickinson Lexicon

GRA-DA'TION, n. [L. gradatio; Fr. gradation. See Grade.]

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 a 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 man, from man to angels.
3. Order; series; regular process by degrees or steps; as, a gradation in argument or description.