sb. and adv. Orig. U.S. [UP- 2 b.]
1. An upward slope or incline.
1888. J. Pennell, Sent. Journey, 236. There were so many long up-grades, and the sign-posts were all wrong.
1893. Kate Sanborn, Truthf. Wom. S. California, 87. I have no taste for overtaking runaway mules on a steep and interminable up-grade.
b. adv. Uphill.
1899. Lutheran (Phila.), 6 April, 327. A railroad train will go for some distance upgrade after the engine is detached.
2. On the upgrade, ascending, rising.
1892. Daily News, 26 Sept., 2/4. In the iron trade … demand seems to be on the up grade.
