from ἀγγύλος crooked, and γλώσσα the tongue); a contraction of the ligaments of the tongue. Some have this imperfection from their birth, others from some disease. In the first case, the membrane which supports the tongue is too short or too hard; in the latter, an ulcer under the tongue, healing and forming a cicatrix, is sometimes the cause: these speak with some difficulty. The ancyloglossi by nature are late before they speak; but when they begin, they soon speak properly. These we call tonguetied. Mauricelus says, that in this case it is a small membranous production, which extends from the frenulum to the tip of the tongue, that hinders the child from sucking, &c. He justly condemns the cruel practice among nurses, of tearing this membrane with their nails; for thus ulcers are sometimes formed, which are...