Defn: One of the Tectibranchiata. Also used adjectively.
TECTIBRANCHIA
Tec`ti*bran"chi*a, n. pl. Etym: [NL.]
Defn: Same as Tectibranchiata.
TECTIBRANCHIATA Tec`ti*bran`chi*a"ta, n. pl. Etym: [NL., fr. L. tectus (p.p. of tegere to cover) + Gr. (Zoöl.)
Defn: An order, or suborder, of gastropod Mollusca in which the gills are usually situated on one side of the back, and protected by a fold of the mantle. When there is a shell, it is usually thin and delicate and often rudimentary. The aplysias and the bubble shells are examples.
TECTIBRANCHIATE
Tec`ti*bran"chi*ate, a. Etym: [L. tectus (p.p. of tegere to cover) +
E. branchiate.] (Zoöl.)
Defn: Having the gills covered by the mantle; of or pertaining to the Tectibranchiata. — n.
Defn: A tectibranchiate mollusk.
TECTLY
Tect"ly, adv. Etym: [L. tectus covered, fr. tegere to cover.]
Defn: Covertly; privately; secretly. [Obs.] Holinshed.