grade

Noun: An inclination, as in a highway. The lay of the land in reference to the elevation of adjoining lands. The amount of difference between the "grade line" and a level or horizontal line. Davies v East Saginaw, 66 Mich 37, 39. A degree or rank, in order or dignity. People v Rawson (NY) 61 Barb 619, 631. The rank of a class in school. The rank of a thing or product in order of merit or excellence, as grade A eggs. Verb: To bring the surface of a street to the grade line, whether by excavation or fill. Davies v East Saginaw, 66 Mich 37. To determine an order of excellence or merit, for example, rating the quality of grain in a granary. To classify positions in the civil service. 15 Am J2d Civ S § 16.