prolificaladj.
/prəˈlɪfᵻkl/, U.S. /prəˈlɪfᵻk(ə)l/, /proʊˈlɪfᵻk(ə)l/ Now rare.† 2. = prolific adj. 2a. Obsolete.† 3. Astrology. Favourable to the production of offspring. Cf. prolific adj. 1. Obsolete.
1. = prolific adj. 3a.
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > biology > biological processes > procreation or reproduction > [adjective]
bearingOE
genderinga1398
multiplyinga1400
fecundc1420
broodya1522
fruitful1526
breeding1552
procreant1588
procreative1598
increasing1600
broodious1602
prolifical1608
conceptiousa1616
plenteousa1616
conceptive1630
feracious1637
propagatory1647
prolific1650
proliferous1654
propagative1654
progenial1664
teemful1755
progenitive1769
breedy1824
proligerous1836
progenital1837
philoprogenitive1857
eugenesic1864
1608 E. Topsell Hist. Serpents 131 They [sc. crocodiles] are exceeding fruitefull and prolificall, and therefore also in Hieroglyphicks they are made to signifie fruitfulnes.
1676 G. Towerson Explic. Decalogue 22 Each wound he gave it becoming strangely prolifical, and two heads starting up where there was one lopt off.
1678 E. Young Serm. Feb. 17th 18 An Evil more prolifical in us then that of Adam.
1705 A. Symson Tripatriarchicon 11 A faith prolifical, Yielding not only leaves, but fruits with-all, I mean good works.
1791 J. G. W. De Brahm Time Apparition of Eternity 18 Nimrod..suffered his own will to launch out without restraint any length, he pleased, to be prolifical in the generation of hypocrisy and tyranny.
1858 Ladies' Repository Sept. 572/1 The prolifical fountain whence issues a ceaseless current of Sharpe's rifles and Colt's revolvers.
2006 goldenrulejones.com 26 Apr. (O.E.D. Archive) This week I'm heading to Boston, where among other activities I hope to see the prolifical Birnbaum. (Only the Dickensian version of that adjective will do.)
ΘΚΠ
the world > existence and causation > creation > productiveness > [adjective]
bearinglOE
fruitfula1300
plenteousc1325
fructuousa1382
birthful?c1475
fertile1481
broodya1522
yielding1556
foisonous1570
procreant1588
generative1597
yieldy1598
childing1600
seedful1605
thankful1610
foisonable1613
prolifical1615
fecundous1630
feracious1637
prolific1653
fetiferous1654
floriferous1656
productive1672
fœtant1678
spawning1682
uberousa1706
populous?1789
productible1830
grateful1832
resultful1833
genetic1838
tumid1840
polyphorous1858
generant1875
proliferent1920
1615 H. Crooke Μικροκοσμογραϕια 200 Other parts..affoord vnto it prolificall vertue.
1647 J. Trapp Comm. Evangelists & Acts (John x. 42) Place is no prejudice to the powerful operation of the word, when by the Spirit it is made prolifical and generative.
1660 R. Allestree Gentlemans Calling Pref. sig. b2 That you would weep so long over her ashes, till that moisture had rendred them prolifical, and you see her spring out of her Urne.
1709 J. Marten Gonosologium Novum i. 60 [Excessive spitting] must needs..impoverish the Seed, diminish the quantity, and take away its prolifical Property.
1731 Mus. Miscellany 124 As the Prolifical Virtue wore off, His amorous Feats made all the World laugh, He cou'd get no more Heroes.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the universe > heavenly body > as influence on mankind > [adjective] > fruitful
prolifical1647
fruitful1721
1647 W. Lilly Christian Astrol. xvi. 89 If the ☽ and principall Significators be in Prolificall signes, and strong, there's no question but he shall [have children].
1658 E. Phillips New World Eng. Words (at cited word) Prolifical signes are Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces.
1741 W. Birkett Poor Will's Almanack ♓ shews a stammering Person, pretending Holiness yet a Hypocrite, and is very Fecund and Prolifical.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2007; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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adj.1608