[bas-uh-lisk, baz-] 
| 1. | Classical Mythology. a creature, variously described as a serpent, lizard, or dragon, said to kill by its breath or look. |
| 2. | any of several tropical American iguanid lizards of the genus Basiliscus, noted for their ability to run across the surface of water on their hind legs. |
[bas-uh-lis-in, -ahyn, baz-] , bas⋅i⋅lis⋅can, adjective | bas·i·lisk (bās'ə-lĭsk', bāz'-) n.
[Middle English, from Old French basilisc, from Latin basiliscus, from Greek basiliskos, diminutive of basileus, king.] |
"The basilisk has since the fourteenth century been confused with the Cockatrice, and the subject is now a complicated one." [T.H.White]Its breath and glance were said to be fatal. The South American lizard so called (1813) because it, like the mythical beast, has a crest. Also used of a large cannon, throwing shot of 200 lb., in 1549.
Basilisk
(in R.V., Isa. 11:8; 14:29; 59:5; Jer. 8:17), the "king serpent," as the name imports; a fabulous serpent said to be three spans long, with a spot on its head like a crown. Probably the yellow snake is intended. (See COCKATRICE.)
basilisk
any of four species of forest lizards of tropical North and South America belonging to the family Iguanidae. The name is applied because of a resemblance to the legendary monster called basilisk (see cockatrice). The body is slender and compressed from side to side, the tail is long and whiplike, and the rear of the head is extended into a flat lobe like a cock's comb. Males have a crest along the back, and this crest runs the length of the body in two species
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