[ad. mod.L. āeronautica, adj. pl. neut. (see AERONAUTIC), literally matters pertaining to sailing the atmosphere; in Chambers 1753 in its L. form: see -ICS.] The science, art or practice of sailing in the air; aerial navigation.
1753. Chambers, Cycl. Supp., Aeronautica, the pretended art of sailing in a vessel thro the air or atmosphere.
1838. Dickens, Nich. Nick., xvi. (C. D. ed.), 120. Balloons of a size hitherto unknown in the history of aëronautics.
1870. Echo, 19 Oct. Aeronautics must make many a long stride before they do much practical work, either in commerce or war.