furciferous, a.
(fɜːˈsɪfərəs)
[f. L. furcifer (f. furca fork n. + -fer bearing) fork-bearer, hence (with reference to the ‘fork’ or yoke placed on the necks of criminals) rascal, jail-bird + -ous.]
1. Ent. Bearing a forked process; said of the larvæ of certain butterflies (Cent. Dict.).
2. Rascally. rare (somewhat jocular).
| 1823 Monthly Mag. LV. 222 Long addicted to furciferous practices. 1835 De Quincey in Tait's Mag. II. 81 Observe the dilemma into which these furciferous knaves must drop. |