[f. L. chrȳsal(l)id-, Gr. χρῡσαλλιδ- stem of χρῡσαλλίς CHRYSALIS; or perhaps from the (mod.) L. pl. chrysalid-es, in English. Cf. F. chrysalide.]
1. = CHRYSALIS 1.
1777. Phil. Trans., LXVII. 75. The operations of nature in eggs, Chrysalids.
1835. Browning, Paracelsus, V. 144. Like chrysalids impatient for the air.
1841–71. T. R. Jones, Anim. Kingd. (ed. 4), 371. The chrysalid … presents very much the appearance of a small barrel.
b. fig. (esp. as in CHRYSALIS 2.)
1880. Swinburne, Study Shaks., ii. (ed. 2), 100. The cast husk or chrysalid of the noble creature which was to arise and take shape at the transfiguring touch of Shakespeare.
2. attrib. Of or pertaining to a chrysalis (lit. and fig.).
1802–13. Bingley, Anim. Biog. (ed. 4), I. 44. In their chrysalid state they remain for some time … perfectly inanimate.
1864. Realm, 22 June, 5. We hope, when the Lord Chancellor’s Bill has slept its chrysalid winter, it will come out winged with a better promise of reform.
