Pu*bes"cent (?), a. [L. pubescens, -entis, p. pr. of pubescere to reach puberty, to grow hairy or mossy, fr. pubes pubes: cf. F. pubescent.]

1.

Arrived at puberty.

That . . . the men (are) pubescent at the age of twice seven, is accounted a punctual truth. Sir T. Browne.

2.

Covered with pubescence, or fine short hairs, as certain insects, and the leaves of some plants.

 

© Webster 1913.