— basiliscine /bas'euh lis"in, -uyn, baz'-/ , basiliscan , adj.
/bas"euh lisk, baz"-/ , n.
1. Class. Myth. a creature, variously described as a serpent, lizard, or dragon, said to kill by its breath or look.
2. any of several tropical American iguanid lizards of the genus Basiliscus, noted for their ability to run across the surface of water on their hind legs.
[ 1250-1300; ME basiliscus basilískos princeling, basilisk, equiv. to basil ( eús ) king + -iskos dim. suffix; allegedly so named from a crownlike white spot on its head ]