[ad. L. ēdentātus; see prec.]
A. adj. Characterized by the absence of incisor and canine teeth; belonging to the order Edentata; see B. Sometimes = ‘toothless.’
1828. Stark, Elem. Nat. Hist., I. 406. Mouth not entirely furnished with teeth, and often edentate.
1835–6. Todd, Cycl. Anat., I. 245/2. The mouth … consists of two … edentate mandibles sheathed with horn.
1885. W. K. Parker, Mammalian Descent, iv. 96. He is not truly edentate, but has teeth similar to those of the Armadillo.
B. sb. 1. in pl. = EDENTATA.
1835. Kirby, Hab. & Inst. Anim., II. xvii. 208. Like most of the other Edentates, they [the Sloths] can roll themselves up and take a long and reckless sleep.
1880. Haughton, Phys. Geog., vi. 269. The Edentates are among the lowest forms of placental Mammals.
2. humorously. One who has lost his teeth.
1850. Kingsley, Alt. Locke, xxxvi. (1874), 270. How could a poor edentate like myself articulate a word?
