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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 (gcide)

Retrograde \Re"tro*grade\, a. [L. retrogradus, from retrogradi,
retrogressus, to retrograde; retro back gradi to step: cf.
F. r['e]trograde. See {Grade}.]
1. (Astron.) Apparently moving backward, and contrary to the
succession of the signs, that is, from east to west, as a
planet. --Hutton.
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And if he be in the west side in that condition,
then is he retrograde. --Chaucer.
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2. Tending or moving backward; having a backward course;
contrary; as, a retrograde motion; -- opposed to
{progressive}. "Progressive and not retrograde." --Bacon.
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It is most retrograde to our desire. --Shak.
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3. Declining from a better to a worse state; as, a retrograde
people; retrograde ideas, morals, etc. --Bacon.
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Retrograde \Re"tro*grade\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Retrograded}; p.
pr. & vb. n. {Retrograding}.] [L. retrogradare, retrogradi:
cf. F. r['e]trograder.]
1. To go in a retrograde direction; to move, or appear to
move, backward, as a planet.
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2. Hence, to decline from a better to a worse condition, as
in morals or intelligence.
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