Bot. [ad. L. calycul-us (which is now often used instead), dim. of calyx.]
1. A little calyx: a. A row of bracts or leaves surrounding the base of the calyx, and resembling a smaller outer calyx. b. The outer proper covering or crown of the seed, adhering to it to facilitate its dispersion. † c. Formerly, the outer envelope of a bud.
1731. Bailey, vol. II., Calycle, with Botanists, a small bud of a plant.
1803. Rees, Cycl., Calycle, a term invented by Vaillant to express a series of leaves surrounding the base of the calyx.
1880. Gray, Bot. Text-bk., 400. Calyculus. An involucre or involucel imitating an additional calyx.
2. Erroneous form of CALICLE.
Hence Calycled a., having a calycle, calyculate.
1794. Martyn, Rousseaus Bot., xxvi. 378, note. The calyx is calycled, or furnished with a second set of leaflets at the base.
1810. Encycl. Lond., I. 683/1. Calycled andromeda.