Zool. and Geol. [f. ENCRIN-US + -ITE.] A fossil crinoid; formerly sometimes extended to crinoids generally.

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1804.  J. Parkinson, Organic Rem., II. 153 (in Rees).

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1819.  Rees, Cycl., Encrinites, a kind of columnar extraneous or organized fossil.

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1835.  Kirby, Hab. & Inst. Anim., II. xiii. 9–10. A tribe of plant-like animals … which, from a supposed resemblance … to the blossom of a liliaceous plant, have been denominated Encrinites.

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1854.  F. Bakewell, Geol., 30. The prevailing characteristic fossils being encrinites and madrepores.

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1880.  Geikie, Phys. Geog., iv. § 21. 191. A piece of limestone is … made up of the crowded joints of the encrinite or stone-lily—a marine animal.

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  attrib.  1822.  G. Young, Geol. Surv. Yorksh. Coast (1828), 21. Masses of the encrinite limestone.

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1847.  E. Forbes, in Wilson & Geikie, Mem., xii. (1861), 413. I went to seek out the localities for the encrinite heads.

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