a. and sb. [f. as prec. + -AN.] A. adj.
1. Having two modes of existence; fig. of doubtful nature.
1637. Gillespie, Eng. Pop. Cerem., III. viii. 195. A certaine Amphibian brood, sprung out of the stem of Neronian tyranny.
2. Of or pertaining to the Amphibia.
[1847. Not in Craig.]
1862. Dana, Man. Geol., 751. Amphibian Reptiles.
1878. Bell, Gegenbauer’s Comp. Anat., 425. The Reptilia, which so far approach the old Amphibian phylum.
B. sb. An animal of the division Amphibia.
1835. Kirby, Habits & Inst. Anim., II. xvii. 137. If we go from the Cetaceans to the Amphibians, we see a further metamorphosis of the organs of motion.
1873. Dawson, Earth & Man, vi. 144. In my younger days frogs and toads and newts used to be reptiles; now we are told that they are more like fishes, and ought to be called … Amphibians.
