adj. Describing an arrangement of leaves such that proximal (posterior) parts of older leaves overlap the distal (anterior) parts of younger ones.
the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English
adj. Having the leaves so placed that the upper part of each one is covered by the base of the next higher leaf, as in hepatic mosses of the genus Plagiochila.
The Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia
In botany, having the anterior margin of one leaf passing beneath the posterior margin of that succeeding it: opposed to incubous: noting the foliage of certain of the Jungermanniaceæ.