The state of being a turtle, or of belonging to the world of turtles; turtles, collectively.
1854, Henry David Thoreau, "A Newly Hatched Turtle", in Bradford Torrey, ed, The Writings of Henry David Thoreau: Journal (1906), page 33:It does not so much impress me as an infantile beginning of life as an epitome of all the past of turtledom and of the earth.
1996, Richard D. Bartlett, Patricia Pope Bartlett, Turtles and Tortoises: Everything About Selection, Care, Nutrition, Breeding, and Behavior, page 73:But for a display of agility almost unparalleled in turtledom, put a small mouse in this turtle's pen, then stand back and watch.
2004, Mary Blocksma, Great Lakes Nature: An Outdoor Year, page 108:Kids, collectors and the pet store business are threatening turtledom.
