a. Obs. nonce-wd. [f. mod.L. thelyphthora (M. Madan, 1780), f. Gr. θῆλυ-ς female + φθορά corruption: cf. Gr. φθορικός corrupting.] That corrupts or ruins women.
[1780. M. Madan (title), Thelyphthora; or, A Treatise on Female Ruin, in its Causes, Effects, Consequences, Prevention, and Remedy.]
1794. Mathias, Purs. Lit., I. 160. Must I with Madan, bent on gospel truth, In Thelypthoric lore instruct our youth.
