basilisk
English
/ˈbæs.ɪ.lɪsk/
noun
Definitions
- A mythical (and heraldic) snake-like dragon type, reputed to be so venomous that its gaze was deadly.
- (heraldiccharge) A type of dragon used in heraldry.
- A tree-dwelling type of lizard of the genus - the basilisk lizard
- A type of large brass cannon.
Etymology
Inherited from Middle English basilisk derived from Old French basilique derived from Latin basiliscus derived from Ancient Greek βασιλίσκος (little king, imperial, royal).
Origin
Ancient Greek
βασιλίσκος
Gloss
little king, imperial, royal
Timeline
Distribution of cognates by language
Geogrpahic distribution of cognates
Cognates and derived terms
- basiliscus Latin
- basilisco Italian
- basilisco Spanish, Castilian
- βασιλίσκος Ancient Greek
- βᾰσῐλεύς Ancient Greek
- basilisco Portuguese
- basilisk Middle English
- basilique Old French
- basilisc Middle Dutch