Zool. [ad. L. lōrīcāt-us, f. LORICA: see -ATE2.]

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  A.  adj. Covered with ‘armor’ or adjoining plates or scales; having a lorica.

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1826.  Kirby & Sp., Entomol., IV. 347. Loricate (Loricatum). When the disk of the thigh appears covered with a double series of oblique scales like a coat of mail.

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1843.  Owen, Lect. Invertebr. Anim., I. 34. The loricate genera are Noteus, Anuræa [etc.].

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1870.  Rolleston, Anim. Life, 33. In the loricate [reptiles] a neurocentral suture is permanent.

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  B.  sb. pl. [repr. mod.L. Loricati or Loricata.] a. A small group of edentate mammals, including the pangolin and the armadillo. b. A group of reptiles comprising the alligators, crocodiles and gavials. c. A group of infusorians protected by a test or shell.

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1855.  Ogilvie, Suppl., Loricata, Loricates, an order of reptiles…, 2. A group of polygastric animalcules.

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1877.  Dawson, Orig. World, xv. 338. Far in advance of any modern reptiles even of the order of Loricates.

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