Continuous progress, course, movement (of action, etc.); way of proceeding, procedure.

The continuous process (of time), succession (of events); progress onward or through successive stages.

figurative. A transition from one state or condition to another, spec. through death; a transition or progress through a period, stage, etc.; a…

figurative. The course of time or of events; the main course.

The course or progress of events, or of a narrative. Obsolete.

figurative. The onward flow or course of a narrative, series of events, etc.; progression.

The course or passage of something.

Growth or maturation into a form which is more advanced, more elaborate, etc.; gradual change or progression by successive stages. Also: an…

a march forward, in quot. figurative.