a. [f. as prec. + -ED.] a. Astron. Having a sickle-shaped appearance; said of the moon or a planet when less than one half of its surface is illuminated.
1704. in Harris, Lex. Techn.
1782. W. F. Martyn, Geog. Mag., I. Introduction, p. xviii. Mercury changes his phases according to his various positions, and appears full in his superior conjunctions with the Sun; but, on his approach towards him is falcated like the new-moon.
1867–77. G. F. Chambers, Astron. Vocab., 916. The Moon or an inferior planet is said to be ‘falcated’ when its illuminated portion is crescent-shaped.
† b. Bot. and Zool. = FALCATE. Obs.
1750. G. Hughes, Barbadoes, 224. The Petals surround six Stamina of about two Inches long; these are tipped with large falcated Apices, which, when ripe, are covered with yellow farinaceous Dust.
1815. Kirby & Spence, Entomol., III. xxxv. 642. In Attacus Atlas the primary wings are falcated or hooked at their apex.
