- a legendary bird, identified with the kingfisher, which is supposed to have a peaceful, calming influence on the sea at the time of the winter solstice
- Zool. any of a genus (Halcyon) of kingfishers of S Asia and Australia
Origin of halcyon
Middle English alcioun from Classical Latin alcyon from Classical Greek alky?n, kingfisher, altered by folk etymology after Classical Greek hals, sea- of the halcyon
- tranquil, happy, idyllic, etc.: esp. in phr. halcyon days, usually with nostalgic reference to earlier times
