[ad. L. caprifīcātiōn-em, n. of action f. caprifīcāre ‘to ripen figs by the stinging of the gall-insect,’ f. caprifīcus the wild fig-tree (f. caper, capr-um goat + fīcus fig-tree, fig).]
1. A process resorted to for ripening figs by means of the puncture of insects produced on the wild fig (Caprificus), or by puncturing them artificially.
‘According to the investigations of modern science, it is proved to be not only unnecessary but positively injurious.’ (R. Thompson in Treas. Bot.)
1601. Holland, Pliny, I. 545. As touching the ripening of Figges by Caprification, true it is, that there be certain flies like gnats engender in greene figs, which are the occasion thereof.
1751. Phil. Trans., XLVII. 171. The effects of caprification in fig-trees.
1794–6. E. Darwin, Zoon. (1802), II. 411. Caprification, or the piercing of figs in the island of Malta, is said to ripen them sooner.
1835. Lindley, Introd. Bot. (1848), II. 217. Causes so essentially different as fertilisation and caprification.
1870. A. L. Adams, Nile V. & Malta, 107. The Maltese practice caprification extensively, by attaching the fruit of the wild fig by strings to the branches of the domesticated trees.
¶ 2. Erroneously used for: Artificial fertilization.
1836. Penny Cycl., VI. 273. This kind of caprification … practised with the date palm, and which has been mentioned by Herodotus.
1859. R. Burton, Centr. Afr., in Jrnl. R. G. S., XXIX. 368. § 2. Bees … performing an important part … by masculation or caprification, and the conveyance of pollen.
1879. Cassell’s Techn. Educ., I. 243/2. An artificial means of ensuring fertilisation … a small feather is inserted and turned round in the cavity. This operation is called caprification.
