v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Degraded; p. pr. & vb. n. Degrading. ] [ F. dégrader, LL. degradare, fr. L. de- + gradus step, degree. See Grade, and cf. Degree. ] 1. To reduce from a higher to a lower rank or degree; to lower in rank; to deprive of office or dignity; to strip of honors; as, to degrade a nobleman, or a general officer. [ 1913 Webster ]

Prynne was sentenced by the Star Chamber Court to be degraded from the bar. Palfrey. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To reduce in estimation, character, or reputation; to lessen the value of; to lower the physical, moral, or intellectual character of; to debase; to bring shame or contempt upon; to disgrace; as, vice degrades a man. [ 1913 Webster ]

O miserable mankind, to what fall
Degraded, to what wretched state reserved! Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

Yet time ennobles or degrades each line. Pope. [ 1913 Webster ]

Her pride . . . struggled hard against this degrading passion. Macaulay. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. (Geol.) To reduce in altitude or magnitude, as hills and mountains; to wear down.

Syn. -- To abase; demean; lower; reduce. See Abase. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. i. (Biol.) To degenerate; to pass from a higher to a lower type of structure; as, a family of plants or animals degrades through this or that genus or group of genera. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. 1. Reduced in rank, character, or reputation; debased; sunken; low; base. [ 1913 Webster ]

The Netherlands . . . were reduced practically to a very degraded condition. Motley. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Biol.) Having the typical characters or organs in a partially developed condition, or lacking certain parts. [ 1913 Webster ]

Some families of plants are degraded dicotyledons. Dana. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. [ Cf. F. degré step. ] (Her.) Having steps; -- said of a cross each of whose extremities finishes in steps growing larger as they leave the center; -- termed also on degrees. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. Deprivation of rank or office; degradation. [ R. ] Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]