degree

Degree, in the sense of measurement, is used to indicate:Comparative degree ("good", "better") and superlative degree ("best")Severity of similar crimes (in some jurisdictions) — for example  first degree murderIntensity of a burn (from first degree to third degree)Level of kinship (consanguinity)Degree of inventiveness in inventions and patents
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(n.)
Three figures taken together in numeration; thus, 140 is one degree, 222,140 two degrees.
  

(n.)
The point or step of progression to which a person has arrived; rank or station in life; position.
  

(n.)
State as indicated by sum of exponents; more particularly, the degree of a term is indicated by the sum of the exponents of its literal factors; thus, a2b3c is a term of the sixth degree. The degree of a power, or radical, is denoted by its index, that of an equation by the greatest sum of the exponents of the unknown quantities in any term; thus, ax4 + bx2 = c, and mx2y2 + nyx = p, are both equations of the fourth degree.
  

(n.)
One of a series of progressive steps upward or downward, in quality, rank, acquirement, and the like; a stage in progression; grade; gradation; as, degrees of vice and virtue; to advance by slow degrees; degree of comparison.
  

(n.)
Measure of advancement; quality; extent; as, tastes differ in kind as well as in degree.
  

(n.)
Grade or rank to which scholars are admitted by a college or university, in recognition of their attainments; as, the degree of bachelor of arts, master, doctor, etc.
  

(n.)
A step, stair, or staircase.
  

(n.)
A line or space of the staff.
  

(n.)
A division, space, or interval, marked on a mathematical or other instrument, as on a thermometer.
  

(n.)
A certain distance or remove in the line of descent, determining the proximity of blood; one remove in the chain of relationship; as, a relation in the third or fourth degree.
  

(n.)
A 360th part of the circumference of a circle, which part is taken as the principal unit of measure for arcs and angles. The degree is divided into 60 minutes and the minute into 60 seconds.
  

The degree (or valency) of a node in a graph is the number of edges joined to it.

This word is derived from the French 'degre,' taken from the Latin 'gradus,' and literally signifies a step in a stairway or the round of a ladder.

As understood in law, it is the distance between those who are allied by blood; it means the relations descending from a common ancestor, from generation to generation, as by so many steps. Hence, according to some Lexicographers, we obtain the word, pedigree Par degrez, by degree, the descent being reckoned par degrez. Each generation lengthens the line of descent one degree, for the degrees are only the generations marked in a line by small circles or squares, in which the names of the persons forming it are written.

Persons. By degree is understood the state or condition of a person. For example, the ancient English statute of additions requires that in process, for the better description of a defendant, his state, degree or mystery, shall be mentioned.

Academic. Mark of distinction conferred on students in testimony of their proficiency in arts and sciences. They are of pontifical origin.
   

This entry contains material from Bouvier's Legal Dictionary, a work published in the 1850's.