from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Stegocephala \Steg`o*ceph"a*la\
(st[e^]g`[-o]*s[e^]f"[.a]*l[.a]), n. pl. [NL., fr. Gr. ste`gh
roof + kefalh` head.] (Paleon.)
An extinct order of amphibians found fossil in the Mesozoic
rocks; called also {Stegocephali}, and {Labyrinthodonta}.
[1913 Webster]
Note: Their teeth, in transverse sections, usually show a
labyrinthiform arrangement of the cement and dentine.
The under side of the body was covered with bony
plates. Some of the Stegocephala were of very large
size, and the form of the body varied from short, stout
forms to others that were as slender as serpents.
[1913 Webster]