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.