chelonia

Chelonia \Che*lo"ni*a\ (k[-e]*l[=o]"n[i^]*[.a]), n. pl. [NL., fr. Gr. chelw`nh a tortoise.] (Zool.) An order of reptiles, including the tortoises and turtles, peculiar in having a part of the vertebr[ae], ribs, and sternum united with the dermal plates so as to form a firm shell. The jaws are covered by a horny beak. See Reptilia; also, Illust. in Appendix. [1913 Webster]