A stage in the Mississippian epoch, preceded by the Famennian (Devonian), followed by the Visean, and dated at 359.2–345.3 Ma ago (Int. Commission on Stratigraphy, 2004). It comprises the Hastarian and Ivorian stages. It is roughly contemporaneous with the lower Carboniferous Limestone (Britain) and the Kinderhookian and lower Osagean (N. America). See also dinantian.