Crocodilian

Relating or pertaining to a croco dile. -n. ( Zool .) A crocodile; one of the crocodile family. Crocodil'idæ, n . pl. ( Zool .) The Crocodile family, order Sauria , comprises the Crocodile of the Nile, the Gavial of the Ganges, and the Alligators of America. The crocodile is the largest of the lizard tribe. This formidable animal usually measures from 18 to 30 feet, the tail alone being from 5 to 7 feet in length; the body is rough and covered with thick scales, so hard as to be impenetrable to pistol or musket-shot; the head is large, and the stretch or gap of jaw greater than that of any other animal, both jaws being furnished with a row of sharp-pointed teeth. The crocodile has four feet, which are webbed, the anterior ones having 5 toes, while the hind feet have only 3, the internal one alone on each foot being guarded with a nail. The crocodile is only vulnerable through his eyes, which are remarkably small, and his belly, which is undefended by scales. This reptile is gregarious, and on hot days great numbers bask together on the sandy banks of their native rivers. The female lays some hundreds of eggs, which she deposits loosely in the ground to be hatched by the heat of the sun; they are of the size and appearance of the eggs of a goose, and fortunately fall a prey to many birds and animals who hunt for them; the natives also indulging extensively in the luxury of crocodiles' eggs, which they regard as a great delicacy. The Alligator (see fig. 87) has the muzzle broad, obtuse, and greatly resembling that of the pike. The teeth are unequal, the fourth lower ones largest, and entering into holes in the upper jaw, and the toes semi-palmate. It is very voracious, devouring all kinds of animal substances, and is particularly attracted by fish, dogs, ducks, oг other animals in motion. It is found from the Carol in as to Paraguay. -n. ( Logic.) A sophistical argument. -a. Pertaining to, or like, a crocodile. - Consisting of crocodiles. Crocodile tears. Tears of affected sorrow; hypocritical weeping; - derived from the ancient fable that crocodiles shed tears over their victims.