imbricated, ppl. a.
(ˈɪmbrɪkeɪtɪd)
[f. prec.]
† 1. (See quot.) Obs.
| 1704 J. Harris Lex. Techn., Imbricated is used by Mr. Tournefort, and some other Botanists, to express the Figure of the Leaves of some Plants, which are hollowed in, like an Imbrex, or Gutter-Tile. 1727–41 Chambers Cycl. |
2. Composed of parts (leaves, scales, or the like) which overlap like tiles. Also, covered by overlapping leaves, scales, etc.
| 1753 Chambers Cycl. Supp., Imbricated shell,..any species of shell-fish, whose shells are elevated into transverse ridges, lying over one another at the base, in the manner of the tiles on a house-top. 1759 B. Stillingfl. Econ. Nat. in Misc. Tracts (1762) 79 On this earth the imbricated liverworts find a bed to strike their roots in. 1858 Geikie Hist. Boulder iv. 46 Imbricated like the cone of the Scotch fir. 1882 Garden 1 Apr. 212/3 Another beautiful variety, having large and finely imbricated flowers. |
3. Of leaves, scales, etc.: Arranged so as to overlap each other, after the manner of roof-tiles.
| 1753 Chambers Cycl. Supp. s.v. Leaf, Imbricated leaf,..leaves placed over one another in the manner of the tiles of a house, or like the scales of fishes. 1777 Pennant Zool. IV. 101 (Jod.) Pecten with about thirty echinated imbricated rays. 1806 J. Galpine Brit. Bot. 20 Glumes, imbricated on every side. 1861 Hulme tr. Moquin-Tandon ii. iii. i. 70 The Common Wood-louse... The body is oval..composed of a number of imbricated rings. |
4. Resembling in pattern a surface of overlapping tiles: = imbricate a. 3.
| 1875 Fortnum Majolica iii. 32 Sometimes ornamented..with chequered, ‘chevroné’ or imbricated patterns. |