ex·ci·ple \ˈeksəpəl\noun alsoex·ci·pule\-ˌpyül\ (-s) Etymology: New Latin excipulum, from Latin, a kind of vessel, from excipere : a saucer-shaped rim around the hymenium of various lichens formed (1) from the hypothecium or (2) from the upper layer of the thallus — called also respectively (1) proper exciple, (2) thalloid exciple