a. [f. THERIO- + Gr. μορφή form + -IC: cf. MORPHIC.] Having the form of a beast; also transf. of or pertaining to a deity worshipped in the form of a beast.
1882. Sat. Rev., 21 Jan., 71. The process by which Theriomorphic became Anthropomorphic Gods is … sufficiently illustrated in early religions.
1884. E. H. Plumptre, in Expositor, July, 4. The ‘abominations’ of the Egyptian theriomorphic worship.
1890. L. R. Farnell, in Oxf. Phil. Soc. Tr., 7 Feb., 9. The perfectly human God, the transition from a … vaguer and often theriomorphic conception of him.
1898. Q. Rev., July, 103. An elaborate cult of bestial gods, or at least a theriomorphic ritual.
So Theriomorphosis, transformation into the shape of a beast; Theriomorphous a., a. = THERIOMORPHIC; b. Zool. of or pertaining to the Theriomorpha, in Owen’s classification, a suborder of Batrachia; also in Palæont. resembling a quadruped or mammal, as ‘the theriomorphous reptiles of the Permian period.’
1865. Baring-Gould, Were-wolves, x. 172. The phase of transition from theriomorphosis to anthropomorphosis.
