I. ˈba-sə-ˌlisk, ˈba-zə- noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin basiliscus, from Greek basiliskos, from diminutive of basileus
Date: 14th century
1. : a legendary reptile with fatal breath and glance
2. : 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 basilisk : baleful , spellbinding
the eyes…with all their blaze of basilisk horror — Bram Stoker