Apparently moving backward, and contrary to the succession of the signs, that is, from east to west, as a planet. Hutton. And if he be in the west side in that condition, then is he retrograde. Chaucer.
Tending or moving backward; having a backward course; contrary; as, a retrograde motion; -- opposed to Ant: progressive. "Progressive and not retrograde." Bacon. It is most retrograde to our desire. Shak.
Declining from a better to a worse state; as, a retrograde people; retrograde ideas, morals, etc. Bacon.
To go in a retrograde direction; to move, or appear to move, backward, as a planet.
Hence, to decline from a better to a worse condition, as in morals or intelligence.
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