What is "fossilized"

Fossilize \Fos"sil*ize\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Fossilized; p. pr. & vb. n. Fossilizing.] [Cf. F. fossiliser.]

1. To convert into a fossil; to petrify; as, to fossilize bones or wood.

2. To cause to become antiquated, rigid, or fixed, as by fossilization; to mummify; to deaden.

   Ten layers of birthdays on a woman's head Are apt to fossilize her girlish mirth.
   --Mrs. Browning.

Fossilized \Fos"sil*ized\, a. Converted into a fossil; antiquated; firmly fixed in views or opinions.

A fossilized sample of confused provincialism.
--Earle.

1. In a state of fossilization; preserved in rock. alt. (en-past of: fossilize) v

2. (en-past of: fossilize)

adj. set in a rigidly conventional pattern of behavior, habits, or beliefs; "obsolete fossilized ways"; "an ossified bureaucratic system" [syn: fossilised, ossified]