Definition

1. Noun:
   • A mythical reptile: In classical mythology, a basilisk is a legendary serpent, lizard, or dragon reputed to be so venomous that its breath or even its glance could cause death.
   • A type of lizard: A small, crested, arboreal lizard (genus Basiliscus) found in tropical America, noted for its ability to run short distances on its hind legs across the surface of water.
   • A type of cannon: An ancient, large-caliber brass cannon.

Examples of Usage

• Noun (Mythological Creature):
  • The hero's shield was polished to a mirror finish to deflect the basilisk's deadly gaze.
  • Legends describe the basilisk as the king of serpents.
• Noun (Real Animal):
  • We observed a green basilisk sprinting across the river.
  • The basilisk lizard is sometimes called the "Jesus Christ lizard" for its ability to run on water.
• Noun (Historical Weapon):
  • The fortress was defended by massive basilisks.

Advanced Usage

• "a basilisk stare": A gaze that is intensely fierce, frightening, or paralyzing, metaphorically likened to the deadly glance of the mythical creature.
  • The teacher fixed the disruptive student with a basilisk stare that silenced the room.

Variants and Related Words

• Basiliscan (adj): Pertaining to or resembling a basilisk.
  • The statue had a basiliscan ferocity in its stone eyes.

Synonyms

• Cockatrice: Another mythical creature often conflated with or similar to the basilisk.
• Serpent: A snake, especially a large or mythical one.

Related Phrases

• "like a basilisk": Used to describe something possessing a deadly or petrifying quality.
  • His criticism was like a basilisk, withering and absolute.

Related Idioms

• "the eye of the basilisk": Symbolizes a destructive or corrupting influence that one cannot safely confront directly.
  • Facing the scandal was like looking into the eye of the basilisk for the politician.

Noun

1. small crested arboreal lizard able to run on its hind legs; of tropical America
2. ancient brass cannon
3. (classical mythology) a serpent (or lizard or dragon) able to kill with its breath or glance