Said of eclipses of the Moon, when the Moon approaches closely enough to the Earth's shadow to cause an appreciable diminution of light though it does not directly touch it. These are often termed appulses. They are not generally classed as eclipses, though from their close resemblance to eclipse conditions they often produce effects similar to those attending an actual eclipse. In fact to an observer on the Moon, the Sun would be partially eclipsed by the Earth.
ASTROLABE ENCYCLOPEDIA
