1 any slow-moving land or freshwater reptile of the family Testudinidae, encased in a scaly or leathery domed shell, and having a retractile head and elephantine legs.
2 Rom. Antiq. = TESTUDO.
Derivatives:
tortoise-like adj. & adv.
Etymology: ME tortuce, OF tortue, f. med.L tortuca, of uncert. orig.
Useful english dictionary. 2012.