/yoo ree"euhs/ , n. , pl. uraeuses .
the sacred asp as represented upon the headdress of divinities and royal personages of ancient Egypt, usually directly over the forehead, as an emblem of supreme power.
[ 1825-35; ouraîos, perh. based ult. on Egyptian y'rt cobra, altered by assoc. with Gk ouraîos of the tail; see URO- 2 ]