Mar"si*po*bran"chi*a (?), n. pl. [NL., fr. Gr. a pouch + a gill.] Zool.
A class of Vertebrata, lower than fishes, characterized by their purselike gill cavities, cartilaginous skeletons, absence of limbs, and a suckerlike mouth destitute of jaws. It includes the lampreys and hagfishes. See Cyclostoma, and Lamprey. Called also Marsipobranchiata, and Marsipobranchii.
© Webster 1913.