The three tables that started were gradually whittled down to a final table, producing a few surprises along the way.
It passed its second reading, but was considerably whittled down in committee, and when eventually it became law it only partially represented its sponsor's intentions.
Where such control over land has been whittled away, they have lost their grip over the people.
After a pool of finalists is chosen, the group is whittled down further.
Perhaps this is why they are only very gradually being whittled down with each new hymnal that comes out.