MOLOCH

moloch

(noun) any lizard of the genus Moloch

Moloch, Molech

(noun) god of the Canaanites and Phoenicians to whom parents sacrificed their children

Moloch

(noun) a tyrannical power to be propitiated by human subservience or sacrifice; “the great Moloch of war”; “duty has become the Moloch of modern life”- Norman Douglas

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Proper noun

Moloch

An ancient Ammonite deity worshiped by the Canaanites, Phoenician and related cultures in North Africa and the Levant.

(figuratively) A person or thing demanding or requiring a very costly sacrifice.

Etymology

Noun

moloch (plural moloches)

Moloch horridus, an Australian lizard thought to be the sole member of the genus Moloch.

Synonyms

• (Moloch horridus): thorny dragon, thorny devil, mountain devil, thorny lizard

Source: Wiktionary

Mo"loch, n. Etym: [Heb. molek king.]

1. (Script.)

Definition: The fire god of the Ammonites in Canaan, to whom human sacrifices were offered; Molech. Also applied figuratively.

2. (Zoöl.)

Definition: A spiny Australian lizard (Moloch horridus). The horns on the head and numerous spines on the body give it a most formidable appearance.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition