noun

1. a mythical monster, usually represented as a large reptile with wings and claws, breathing out fire and smoke
2. a fierce person; esp., a fiercely watchful female guardian or chaperon
3. Historical
   1. a short musket carried hooked to a soldier's belt
   2. a soldier armed with such a musket; dragoon
4. Obsolete a large serpent or snake
5. Bible, Obsolete a word used to translate several Hebrew words now understood to mean serpent, jackal, Old Serpent (Satan), etc.
6. Zool. any of a genus (Draco) of small tree lizards of Southeast Asia, with winglike membranes used in gliding from tree to tree

Etymology: ME dragoun < OFr dragon < L draco < Gr drakōn, dragon, serpent, lit., the seeing one < derkesthai, to see < IE base *derk-, to see > OIr derc, eye