[dam-uh-kleez] 
| 1. | a flatterer who, having extolled the happiness of Dionysius, tyrant of Syracuse, was seated at a banquet with a sword suspended over his head by a single hair to show him the perilous nature of that happiness. |
| 2. | sword of Damocles, any situation threatening imminent harm or disaster. |
[dam-uh-klee-uh
n] , adjective