*pterosaur*

‖n. pl. [ NL. ] (Paleon.) An extinct order of flying reptiles of the Mesozoic age; the pterodactyls; -- called also Pterodactyli, and Ornithosauria. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ The wings were formed, like those of bats, by a leathery expansion of the skin, principally supported by the greatly enlarged outer or “ little” fingers of the hands. The American Cretaceous pterodactyls had no teeth. See Pteranodontia, and Pterodactyl. [ 1913 Webster ]