By degrees (7)
'by degrees' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for piecemeal that I've seen before include "A bit at a time" , "Bit by bit; unsystematic" , "Claim epee in gradual unsystematic way" , "by degrees" , "step by step" .)
'by degrees' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
This is all the clue.
(Other definitions for gradual that I've seen before include "Step by step" , "Not steep or abrupt" , "Developing in stages" , "Developing in small steps" , "Taking place by degrees, not sudden" .)