Now rare. [Irregularly for *torpetude, f. L. torpē-re + -TUDE: the L. form, if existent, would be *torpetūdo: cf. consuētūdo, hebetūdo. (Perh. by false analogy with turpitude, f. L. turpi-s.)] = TORPIDITY.
1713. Derham, Phys.-Theol., IV. vii. 158. In a Torpitude, or sort of Sleep, or middle state between Life and Death.
1775. Gen. Burgoyne, in Virginia Gaz., 3 June, 2/2. Sir, if the whole body of the kingdom does not rouse at this alarm, and shake off that torpitude under which our public spirit has long shamefully languished.
1788. T. Jefferson, Writ. (1859), II. 396. The Russians seem not yet thawed from the winter’s torpitude.
1817. J. Gilchrist, Intell. Patrimony, 24. His Elysian torpitude of many weeks duration.
1822–34. Good’s Study Med. (ed. 4), IV. 105. In some cases there is great torpitude or sluggishness in the growth … of the ovaries.
1860. Gen. G. A. Scroggs, Sp. (4 Aug.), in Buffalo Weekly Express, 14 Aug., 1/3. Such as have a temperament adapted to such a state of torpitude may congratulate themselves. For my part I do not envy them.
