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.

2. Hence, to decline from a better to a worse condition, as in morals or intelligence.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

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.

And if he be in the west side in that condition, then is he retrograde. --Chaucer.

2. Tending or moving backward; having a backward course; contrary; as, a retrograde motion; -- opposed to progressive. ``Progressive and not retrograde.'' --Bacon.

It is most retrograde to our desire. --Shak.

3. Declining from a better to a worse state; as, a retrograde people; retrograde ideas, morals, etc. --Bacon.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)