by degrees

by degrees

1. In gradual steps; bit by bit.
   • [1877], Anna Sewell, “Earlshall”, in Black Beauty: […], London: Jarrold and Sons, […], →OCLC, part II, page 102:

     She came to us snappish and suspicious, but when she found what sort of place ours was, it all went off by degrees; […]

   • 1880, William Blades, The Enemies of Books, page 36:

     By degrees the libraries which were unendowed fell behind the age, and were consequently neglected.

   • 1960 July 11, Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird, Philadelphia, Pa.; New York, N.Y.: J[oshua] B[allinger] Lippincott Company, →OCLC:

     When Jem put his foot on the bottom step, the step squeaked. He stood still, then tried his weight by degrees. The step was silent.

• in order, step by step; see also Thesaurus:sequentially