a. [f. as prec. + -ORY.]
1. † a. Adapted for ejecting (a missile, or the like). b. Phys. That is concerned in the ejection of semen, etc.
1655. Evelyn, Mem. (1857), I. 322. The bullet’s falling on the ejaculatory spring.
1666. J. Smith, Old Age (ed. 2), 117. Seminary vessels both preparatory, and ejaculatory.
1751. Chambers, Cycl., Ejaculatory … ducts, or canals, arising from the vesiculæ seminales.
1860. Sir H. Thompson, Dis. Prostate (1868), 7. Two slight lines of depression … indicate the tracks of the ejaculatory ducts.
1861. Hulme, trans. Moquin-Tandon, II. I. 47. The excretory canal of the gland, called ejaculatory duct.
† 2. Inclined to ejaculate; given to abrupt, impulsive expression. Obs.
1644. Quarles, Barnabas & B., To Rdr. This small Essay (the epitome of his ejaculatory soul).
3. Of the nature of or resembling an ejaculation or sudden utterance. (Originally of prayers: see EJACULATION 4 b; now in wider sense.)
1644. Sir E. Dering, Proper Sacrif., C iij b. In hymns and Psalms ejaculatory passages … are warranted.
1698. W. Chilcot, Evil Thoughts, vi. (1851), 65. Not only in ejaculatory, but in our set prayers.
1748. Smollett, Rod. Rand., lxv. (1804), 472. Strap … venting ejaculatory petitions to Heaven for our safety.
1851. Longf., Gold. Leg., Convent of Hirschau. To breathe an ejaculatory prayer.
4. quasi-sb. = EJACULATION 4 b. rare.
1883. Harriet Prescott Spofford, in Harper’s Mag., March, 575/1. ‘Indeed, I have reason to know it,’ was the severe ejaculatory.
