fossilized

Adjective

WordNet 3.0

set in a rigidly conventional pattern of behavior, habits, or beliefs“obsolete fossilized ways”“an ossified bureaucratic system”Synonyms: fossilised ossified

Fossilize \Fos"sil*ize\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Fossilized; p. pr. & vb. n. Fossilizing.] [Cf. F. fossiliser.]

1.To convert into a fossil; to petrify; as, to fossilize bones or wood. [1913 Webster]

2.To cause to become antiquated, rigid, or fixed, as by fossilization; to mummify; to deaden. [1913 Webster]

Ten layers of birthdays on a woman's head Are apt to fossilize her girlish mirth.— Mrs. Browning.[1913 Webster]

Fossilized \Fos"sil*ized\, a. Converted into a fossil; antiquated; firmly fixed in views or opinions. [1913 Webster]

A fossilized sample of confused provincialism. --Earle. [1913 Webster]