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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