semiˈanimous,a.rare. [f. L. sēmianim-is, -us (anima life) + -ous.] =prec. 1825Syd. Smith Bentham's Bk. FallaciesWks. 1859 II. 70/2 Punished by semianimous semicadaverous judges.1837― 2nd Let. Singleton ibid. 275/1 Semianimous on its back, or vigorous on its legs.