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.)

Part of speech: noun (n.)

1. A fabulous serpent, or dragon. The ancients alleged that its hissing would drive away all other serpents, and that its breath, and even its look, was fatal. See Cockatrice. Make me not sighted like the basilisk. Shak.

2. A lizard of the genus Basiliscus, belonging to the family Iguanidæ.

3. A large piece of ordnance, so called from its supposed resemblance to the serpent of that name, or from its size. [Obs.]