gradatimadv.
/ɡrəˈdeɪtɪm/ Step by step, gradually.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > manner of action > slowness of action or operation > [phrase] > gradually or in stages
footmealeOE
(a, by) lite and litec1290
a little and a littlea1375
little and littlea1387
(by) some and some1398
by little and by littlea1425
little by little?a1425
littly?a1425
inchmeal1530
by small and small1558
by (a) little1577
gradatim1583
by lithe and lithe1592
by inchesa1616
inch by incha1616
to go slow1664
1583 P. Stubbes Anat. Abuses sig. Fivv Three or foure degrees of minor ruffes, placed gradatim, step by step one beneath another.
1669 J. Worlidge Systema Agriculturæ (1681) 301 The vast quantities of water that flow over our heads in stormy or rainy weather, which..do gradatim diffuse themselves upon the Earth.
1700 W. Salmon Pharmacopœia Bateana (ed. 2) i. iii. 131/2 Make a gentle Fire first, which increase gradatim to the fourth degree.
1785 D. Low Chiropodologia xii. 104 Let them be bathed in water, tepid at first, and rendered afterwards, gradatim, more warm.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1900; most recently modified version published online September 2018).
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adv.1583