Pl. -gi. [mod. L., f. Gr. ξίφος sword (here referring to the xiphoid cartilage) + πάγος something firmly fixed or set (: πηγνύναι to fix).] A twin monster united by a band extending downwards from the xiphoid cartilage, as in the case of the Siamese twins.
Hence Xiphopagic, Xiphopagous adjs., constituting a xiphopagus.
1848. Dunglison, Med. Lex. (ed. 7), Xiphomages [sic].
1890. Billings, Nat. Med. Dict., Xiphopagus.
1894. Bateson, Variation, 560, note. The relative position of xiphopagous twins may result simply from the way in which they happen to be laid by the mother or the midwife.
1901. Brit. Med. Jrnl., 6 April, 874/2. A new case of xiphopagous twins in two Chinese boys … who are united by a bridge running from the xiphoid cartilage to the umbilicus.
1901. Lancet, 13 July, 108/1. A Case of Xiphopagus or Double Monster.
190[?]. Buck’s Handbk. Med. Sci., VII. 685 (Cent. Dict., Suppl.). Xiphopagic.
