a. Bot. rare–0. [f. L. terg-um the back: see -FEROUS.] Bearing the fructification on the back of the frond, as a fern: = DORSIFEROUS 1. Also † Tergifetous a. [FŒTUS] in same sense.
1704. J. Harris, Lex. Techn., I. Tergefætous Plants, such Herbs … as bear their Seeds on the backsides of their Leaves.
1847. Webster, s.v., Tergiferous plants.
