a. [f. mod.L. brachelytr-a (f. Gr. βραχ-ύς short + ἔλυτρον case, sheath) + -OUS: cf. F. brachélytre. (A more correct form would be brachyelytrous.)] Pertaining to the Brachelytra, a division of the beetles distinguished by the shortness of their wing-sheaths.
1847. Proc. Berw. Nat. Club, II. 233. Brachelytrous insects forming the family Staphylinidæ.
