[a. L. forfex pair of scissors.]

1

  1.  Humorously pedantic. A pair of scissors.

2

1712–4.  Pope, Rape Lock, III. 147.

        The Peer now spreads the glitt’ring forfex wide,
T’ inclose the Lock; now joins it, to divide.

3

1837.  E. Howard, Old Commod., II. iv. 95. With the glittering forfex in his hand, the doctor gave chase. Both the pursued and the pursuer ran the better for the champagne.

4

  2.  Ent. (see quot.)

5

1826.  Kirby & Sp., Entomol., III. 391. Forfex (the Forfex). A pair of anal organs, which open or shut transversely, and cross each other.

6