a. [f. L. fētifer (f. fēt-us offspring + -fer producing) + -OUS.] Producing offspring.
1656–81. in Blount, Glossogr.
1775. in Ash.
1859. R. B. Todd, The Cyclopædia of Anatomy and Physiology, V. 587/2. An ‘undisputed case of purely ovarian fœtiferous ovum.’
Similarly Fœtific a. [see -FIC], making fruitful (Bailey, 1727, vol. II.). Fœtification [see -FICATION], a bringing forth fruit (Bailey, 1727, vol. II.). Fœtiparous a. [+ L. -parus producing (parĕre to produce) + -OUS]. (See quot.)
1884. Syd. Soc. Lex., Fœtiparous, producing premature offspring, such as occurs in Marsupialia.
