BASILISK

basilisk

(noun) small crested arboreal lizard able to run on its hind legs; of tropical America

basilisk

(noun) ancient brass cannon

basilisk

(noun) (classical mythology) a serpent (or lizard or dragon) able to kill with its breath or glance

Source: WordNet® 3.1

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Etymology

Noun

basilisk (plural basilisks)

A mythical (and heraldic) snake-like dragon type, reputed to be so venomous that its gaze was deadly.

(science fiction) An information hazard, especially a Langford's basilisk.

(heraldiccharge) A type of dragon used in heraldry.

A tree-dwelling type of lizard of the genus Basiliscus - the basilisk lizard

A type of large brass cannon.

Adjective

basilisk (not comparable)

Suggesting a basilisk (snake-like dragon): baleful, spellbinding.

Source: Wiktionary

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Bas"i*lisk, n. Etym: [L. basiliscus, Gr. little king, kind of serpent, dim. of king; -- so named from some prominences on the head resembling a crown.]

1. A fabulous serpent, or dragon. The ancients alleged that its hissing would drive away all other serpents, and that its breath, and even its look, was fatal. See Cockatrice. Make me not sighted like the basilisk. Shak.

2. (Zoöl.)

Definition: A lizard of the genus Basiliscus, belonging to the family Iguanidæ.

Note: This genus is remarkable for a membranous bag rising above the occiput, which can be filled with air at pleasure; also for an elevated crest along the back, that can be raised or depressed at will.

3. (Mil.)

Definition: A large piece of ordnance, so called from its supposed resemblance to the serpent of that name, or from its size. [Obs.]

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition

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