Grade

[Fr.; A.S. grad; W. grad; Lat. gradus, a step. Probably connected with the obsol. Heb. darag, Heb. darnach, to advance, which, inverted, gives the word.] A step; a pace; a degree or rank in order or dignity; a step or degree in any descending series; as, the lowest grade of society, grades of military rank, . -The degree of ascent or descent in a highway or railroad; a gradient; as, a grade of 10 feet per mile. -v. a. To reduce to a level, as the line of a highway, canal, or railroad.