ˈkad. ə lˌepsē, -at ə l-, -si noun
( -es )
Etymology: alteration (influenced by Medieval Latin, Late Latin, and/or Greek) of earlier catalency, modification of Middle English cathalempsia, modification of Medieval Latin catalepsia, modification of Late Latin catalepsis, from Greek katalēpsis, literally, act of seizing, from katalambanein to seize, from kata- cata- + lambanein to take, seize; akin to Old English læccan to seize — more at latch
1. : a condition of suspended animation and loss of voluntary motion associated with hysteria and schizophrenia in man and with organic nervous disease in animals and characterized by a trancelike state of consciousness and a posture in which the limbs hold any position they are placed in
2. : cataplexy