theriomorphic, a.
(θɪərɪəʊˈmɔːfɪk)
[f. therio- + Gr. µορϕή form + -ic: cf. morphic.]
Having the form of a beast; also transf. of or pertaining to a deity worshipped in the form of a beast.
| 1882 Sat. Rev. 21 Jan. 71 The process by which Theriomorphic became Anthropomorphic Gods is..sufficiently illustrated in early religions. 1884 E. H. Plumptre in Expositor July 4 The ‘abominations’ of the Egyptian theriomorphic worship. 1890 L. R. Farnell in Oxf. Phil. Soc. Tr. 7 Feb. 9 The perfectly human God, the transition from a..vaguer and often theriomorphic conception of him. 1898 Q. Rev. July 103 An elaborate cult of bestial gods, or at least a theriomorphic ritual. |
So theriomorphosis (-ˈmɔːfəʊsɪs, -mɔːˈfəʊsɪs), transformation into the shape of a beast; therioˈmorphous a., (a) = theriomorphic; (b) Zool. of or pertaining to the Theriomorpha, in Owen's classification, a suborder of Batrachia; also in Palæont. resembling a quadruped or mammal, as ‘the theriomorphous reptiles of the Permian period’.
| 1865 Baring-Gould Werewolves x. 172 The phase of transition from theriomorphosis to anthropomorphosis. |