suspensory adjective & noun. [sǝ'spɛns(ǝ)ri] LME.
[French suspensoire (now -oir) from medieval Latin suspensorium stalk, from Latin suspens-: see SUSPENSION, -ORY¹.]
A. adjective.
1. Having the function of supporting something suspended; spec. (a) designating a ligament, muscle, etc., by which a part of the body is suspended or anchored; (b) designating a bandage, sling, etc., in which a diseased or injured part is suspended for support. LME.

2. Marked by or indicating mental suspense; doubtful. Only in 17.

3. = SUSPENSIVE 3. L19.
b. noun.
1. A suspended weight used for traction. Only in LME.

2. A suspensory ligament, bandage, etc. L17.

■ suspen'sorial adjective (Anatomy) suspensory L19.

[TahlilGaran] English Dictionary ▲