= pericardiumrare between late 17th and mid 20th cent.
Origin
Early 17th century; earliest use found in Randle Cotgrave (fl. 1587–?1630), lexicographer. Originally from French péricarde from post-classical Latin pericardium; in later use shortened from pericardium, apparently by analogy with pericarp. In use as adjective apparently after ancient Greek περικάρδιος.