De*grad"ed (?), a.

1.

Reduced in rank, character, or reputation; debased; sunken; low; base.

The Netherlands . . . were reduced practically to a very degraded condition. Motley.

2. Biol.

Having the typical characters or organs in a partially developed condition, or lacking certain parts.

Some families of plants are degraded dicotyledons. Dana.

3. [Cf. F. degr'e 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.

© Webster 1913.