Available Definitions:
1) a. - Reduced in rank, character, or reputation; debased; sunken; low; base.
2) a. - Having the typical characters or organs in a partially developed condition, or lacking certain parts.
3) a. - Having steps; -- said of a cross each of whose extremities finishes in steps growing larger as they leave the center; -- termed also on degrees.
4) v. i. - 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.