declivous, a.
(dɪˈklaɪvəs)
[f. L. dēclīv-us, rare var. of dēclīv-is (see declive) + -ous: cf. acclivous.]
Having a downward inclination; sloping, slanting. (Now rare exc. as in b.)
| 1684 tr. Bonet's Merc. Compit. v. 141 Pus..may this way better run out, because of the more declivous site of the opening. a 1722 Lisle Husb. (1752) 173 On a ground declivous from the sun. 1786 Gilpin Pict. Beauty Cumbrld. (1808) I. xiv. 211 We left the Derwent in its declivous course between two mountains. 1853 G. Johnston Nat. Hist. E. Bord. I. 251 This hurries along as the gap deepens, and becomes, at every step, more declivous. |
b. spec. in Zool. Sloping downwards.
| 1847 Johnston in Proc. Berw. Nat. Club II. 228 Rostrum long, tapered, porrect, declivous. 1877 Coues Fur Anim. iv. 99 Frontal profile..strongly declivous. |