Ornith. Usually in pl. tectrices. [mod.L. tectrix (fem. of L. tector), f. tect-, ppl. stem of tegĕre to cover: see -TRIX. So F. tectrice.] Each of the feathers that cover the base of the quill-feathers of the wing and tail in birds: = COVERT sb. 5.
[1768. Pennant, Zool., I. *111. Lesser coverts of the wings. Tectrices primæ…. Greater coverts. Tectrices secundæ.
1842. Brande, Dict. Sc., etc., Tectrices, Coverts, the name of the feathers which cover the quill feathers and other parts of the wing.]
1874. Coues, Birds N. W., 693. Under parts, including the inferior alar tectrices, pure white.
1896. Newton, Dict. Birds, 950. Each tectrix being placed on the proximal side of its corresponding remex.
Hence Tectricial a., pertaining to the tectrices.
1891. in Cent. Dict.
