Ecliptic \E*clip"tic\, n. [Cf. F. ['e]cliptique, L. linea ecliptica, Gr. ?, prop. adj., of an eclipse, because in this circle eclipses of the sun and moon take place. See Ecliptic, a.]

1. (Astron.) A great circle of the celestial sphere, making an angle with the equinoctial of about 23[deg] 28'. It is the apparent path of the sun, or the real path of the earth as seen from the sun.

2. (Geog.) A great circle drawn on a terrestrial globe, making an angle of 23[deg] 28' with the equator; -- used for illustrating and solving astronomical problems.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Ecliptic \E*clip"tic\, a. [L. eclipticus belonging to an eclipse, Gr. ?. See Eclipse.]

1. Pertaining to the ecliptic; as, the ecliptic way.

2. Pertaining to an eclipse or to eclipses.

Lunar ecliptic limit (Astron.), the space of 12[deg] on the moon's orbit from the node, within which, if the moon happens to be at full, it will be eclipsed.

Solar ecliptic limit, the space of 17[deg] from the lunar node, within which, if a conjunction of the sun and moon occur, the sun will be eclipsed.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)