I. ˈbasəˌlisk, -azə- sometimes -āsə- noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin basiliscus, from Greek basiliskos, literally, little king, diminutive of basileus king
1. : a legendary reptile that is hatched from the egg of a 7-year-old cock and that has a fatal breath and glance — compare cockatrice
2. : a large cannon usually made of brass and capable of throwing stone shot weighing 200 pounds
3. : any of several tropical American lizards (genus Basiliscus ) noted for their activity and ability to run at high speed upon their hind legs
II. adjective
: like a basilisk : spellbinding, fatal
the eyes fell full upon me with all their blaze of basilisk horror — Bram Stoker