gradus (a single step): scalae, -arum (a flight of steps, stairs): descensio (a flight of steps leading downward). To live up three pair of stairs, tribus scalis habitare (Mart., 1, 118, 7): up stairs, contra scalas: down stairs, secundum scalas: to throw anybody down stairs, aliquem per gradus dejicere: to fall down stairs, per gradus praecipitem ire.