Xiphosura

Definitions

proper noun A taxonomic order within the class Merostomata — distinguished from all other chelicerates by having compound eyes. The only living xiphosurans are the horseshoe crabs.

From Ancient Greek ξίφος (xiphos, "sword") and οὐρά (oura, "tail"), in reference to the long, slender, stiff tail of the horseshoe crab.

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This extraordinary crustacean is one of the oldest of living animals in its history, as it is closely related to the Xiphosura and even the Trilobites of the Primary Epoch, which existed millions of years ago.

Pioneers in Canada Harry Hamilton Johnston 1892
Crustacea; nor the Xiphosura and Trilobites, because, having never investigated them myself, I knew too little about them, and especially because I am unacquainted with the details of the explanations given by

Facts and Arguments for Darwin Fritz Muller 1859
Phyllopoda and Xiphosura, furnished a long and varied, and at the same time intimately connected series, such as was at my command in no other class.

Facts and Arguments for Darwin Fritz Muller 1859