Definition of "gradine" []

• A toothed chisel used by sculptors (noun)
• Any member like a step, such as the raised back of an altar; a gradin. (noun)

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• "Another possibility, however, where it is felt a gradine is absolutely necessary for some reason (and I should note I am not against gradines generally; my thinking here is simply as it pertains to temporary gradines upon the mensa) is to instead build one from the ground up which will sit behind the altar on the ground."
• "Now that said, I know there will be some debate about the question of the two structural elements applied to the altar (the facing and the temporary gradine) and, accordingly I wished to share a couple of thoughts as to how we might perfect these sorts of things, and in a way which lessens the debate that can surround them and which might be quite consonant with our liturgical principles and tradition."
• "The cathedral architect, Michael Drury, will be investigating the possibility of moving the wall behind the altar that serves as the gradine farther back to allow easier access to the space behind the altar."