Dictionary entry

Catalepsy

Webster's Dictionary 1913

{ Cat″a‐lep′sy (?), ‖Cat′a‐lep″sis (?), } n. [NL. catalepsis, fr. Gr. � a seizure, fr. � to seize upon; κατά down + � to take, seize.] (Med.) A sudden suspension of sensation and volition, the body and limbs preserving the position that may be given them, while the action of the heart and lungs continues.