BASILISK

I. noun Etymology: Middle English, from Latin basiliscus, from Greek ~os, from diminutive of basileus Date: 14th century a legendary reptile with fatal breath and glance, any of several crested tropical American lizards (genus Basiliscus of the family Iguanidae) related to the iguanas and noted for their ability to run on their hind legs, II. adjective Date: 1821 suggesting a ~ ; baleful , spellbinding