a. Also 7–9 fecal. [f. L. fæc-em, fæx, dregs + -AL. Cf. F. fécal.] Belonging to or of the nature of fæces, characterized by the presence of fæces, as in fæcal abscess, fistula, tumor.
1541. R. Copland, Guydon’s Quest. Chirurg. The gut begynneth that hyght Collon, which is byg with lytel celles, wherin the fecall mater taketh forme.
1613. Hart, Arraignm. Ur. I. ii. 6. Easilier to expell the fecall excrements.
1730–6. Bailey (folio), Fæcal Matter.
1775. Nourse, in Phil. Trans., LXVI. 438. The fæcal discharge lessened daily.
1872. T. H. Huxley, Lessons in Elementary Physiology, vi. 155. The characteristic fæcal odour and colour.
1878. T. Bryant, Pract. Surg., I. 2. An abdominal tumour may be ovarian, uterine, peritoneal, vesical, fæcal, renal or hydatid.
1884. Syd. Soc. Lex., Fistula, fæcal, an abdominal fistula opening into an intestine.
