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. 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.