Browse dictionary
Showing 1-14 of 14 results in 14 entries
1. Cerberus, n. View full entry c1386
...In Greek and Latin mythology the proper name of the watch-dog which guarded the entrance of the infernal regions, represented as having three heads. Used allusively, esp. in phrase, to give...
2. Circe, n. View full entry c1405
...In Greek and Latin mythology the name of an enchantress who dwelt in the island of Aea, and transformed all who drank of her cup into swine; often used allusively....
3. muse, n.1 View full entry c1390
...Classical Mythol. (Now usu. in form Muse.)...
4. Pilate, n. View full entry c1390
...allusively. A person likened in some way to Pontius Pilate; esp. (in early use) a corrupt or lax person; (in later use) a person who evades responsibility. Formerly also:...
5. Proteus, n. View full entry a1425
...Greek Mythol. and Roman Mythol. A sea-god, the son of Oceanus and Tethys, said to be capable of assuming various shapes at will....
6. quail-pipe, n. View full entry a1425
...A pipe or whistle for imitating the call of the quail (Coturnix coturnix), formerly used for luring the birds into a net; also allusively and fig....
7. singed, adj.1 View full entry c1386
...That has been subjected to the process of singeing; scorched or slightly burnt, or presenting the appearance of this; parched....
8. spaniel, n.1 (and adj.) View full entry c1386
...A variety of dog characterized by large drooping ears, long silky hair, keen scent, and affectionate nature, some breeds of which are used for sporting purposes, esp. for starting and retrieving game,...
9. swarm, v.1 View full entry c1386
...intr. Of bees: To gather in a compact cluster and leave the hive in a body to found a new colony: see swarm1. Also with off....
10. Tantalus, n. View full entry c1369
...Name of a mythical king of Phrygia, son of Zeus and the nymph Pluto, condemned, for revealing the secrets of the gods, to stand in Tartarus up to his chin in water,...
11. text, n.1 View full entry c1369
...The wording of anything written or printed; the structure formed by the words in their order; the very words, phrases, and sentences as written....
12. ˈthunder-clap, n. View full entry c1386
...A clap or loud crash of thunder; formerly also, a thunderstroke. Often allusively used: cf. c....
13. tropic, n. and adj.1 View full entry c1400
...Astron....
14. village, n. View full entry c1386
...A collection of dwelling-houses and other buildings, forming a centre of habitation in a country district; an inhabited place larger than a hamlet and smaller than a town, or having a simpler...
