basilisk

basilisk Definition

basi·lisk (bas′ə lisk′, baz′-)

noun

a mythical lizardlike monster with supposedly fatal breath and glance, fabled to have been hatched by a serpent from a cock's egg
any of a genus (Basiliscus) of iguanas with an erectile crest on the back and tail and an inflatable pouch on the head
an obsolete kind of cannon

Etymology: ME < L basiliscus < Gr basiliskos, dim. of basileus, king

basilisk Usage Examples

Possessives

eye: The basilisk's eyes are not reptilian but human, their expression an ancient and abiding love.

Modifies a noun

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