Emily Dickinson Lexicon

SES-QUI-AL'TER, or SES-QUI-AL'TER-AL, a. [L. from sesqui, the whole and half as much more, and alter, other.]

1. In geometry, designating a ratio where one quantity or number contains another once, and half as much more; as 9 contains 6 and its half. – Bentley.
2. A sesquialteral floret, is when a large fertile floret is accompanied with a small abortive one. – Martyn.