a. [ad. L. co(n)nīvēnt-em, pr. pple. of co(n)nīvēre to CONNIVE.]
† 1. Conniving; disposed to connive at or overlook (offences, etc.). Obs.
1642. Rogers, Naaman, 188. What causes Magistrates to be so partiall and connivent at offenders?
1648. Symmons, Vind. Chas. I., 300. Using a connivent lenity.
† 2. Dozing, dormant. Obs. rare. Cf. CONNIVE 5.
1643. Milton, Divorce, II. iii. (1851), 68. So fickle and so variable, sometimes like a devouring fire, and by and by connivent in the embers.
3. a. Phys. Connivent valves (valvulæ conniventes): circular folds in the mucous membrane of the small intestine, increasing the secretory and absorbent surface.
1684. trans. Bonet’s Merc. Compit., VIII. 284. Wind … pent up … makes its way by force through the blind, connivent ducts.
1778. Anat. Dial. (1785), 210. The connivent valves are larger in this than in any other of the guts.
[1866. Huxley, Phys., vi. § 22 (1869), 171. Structures peculiar to the small intestine are the valvulæ conniventes.]
b. Nat. Hist. Gradually convergent; approaching at the extremity: of the anthers, petals, or sepals in flowers, and the wings in certain insects.
1757. Pultney, in Phil. Trans., L. 66. At the base they are connivent, and at the top bent outwardly.
1794. Martyn, Rousseau’s Bot., xvi. 203. The anthers being connivent or converging.
1872. Oliver, Elem. Bot., App. 309. Lateral petals ovate, obiuse, connivent.
