Basilisk (Noun)
Meaning 1
Ancient brass cannon.
Classification
Nouns denoting man-made objects.
Examples
- The basilisk was a legendary ancient brass cannon said to be able to shatter the strongest of stone walls with a single blast.
- In the 16th century, the use of the basilisk as a siege engine became more widespread in European warfare.
- Historians have debated whether the basilisk was a real ancient brass cannon or merely a mythical device invented by storytellers.
- Archaeologists have discovered fragments of ancient cannons that resemble the basilisk described in medieval texts.
- During the Middle Ages, the basilisk was often depicted in art as a fearsome ancient brass cannon capable of leveling entire cities.
Meaning 2
(classical mythology) a serpent (or lizard or dragon) able to kill with its breath or glance.
Classification
Nouns denoting people.
Hypernyms
Meaning 3
Small crested arboreal lizard able to run on its hind legs; of tropical America.
Classification
Nouns denoting animals.