a. and sb. [f. mod.L. Chelōnia (cf. Gr. χελώνη tortoise) + -AN.]

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  A.  adj. Of or belonging to the order of Reptiles called Chelonia, distinguished by having the body inclosed in a double shell, and comprising the various species of tortoises and turtles.

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1826.  Kirby & Sp., Entomol., III. 44. I allude to the Chelonian reptiles.

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1881.  P. M. Duncan, in Academy, 23 April, 303. The head is less sauropsidian and more chelonian.

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  B.  sb. An animal belonging to the order Chelonia.

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1828.  Stark, Elem. Nat. Hist., I. 332. Four Orders, viz.: Chelonians…. Saurians…. Ophidians…. Batrachians.

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1842.  H. Miller, O. R. Sandst., iii. (ed. 2), 71. Intermediate … between the fish and the chelonian.

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