basilisk

/ˈbæsəlɪsk/
noun
  1. A mythical reptile said to kill by its look or breath.
    • In the old story, the basilisk could turn people to stone with a single glance.
    • The knight bravely faced the basilisk, shielding his eyes with a polished mirror.
    • Legends describe the basilisk as a serpent-like creature with a deadly stare.
  2. A type of lizard (the basilisk lizard) that can run on its hind legs across water.
    • The basilisk uses its long toes to spread its weight and run on water.
    • We watched a basilisk skitter across the surface of the pond in the rainforest.
    • Our guide pointed out a green basilisk perched on a branch near the river.
  3. A large, old-fashioned cannon that fired heavy stone or metal balls.
    • The castle walls were defended by a massive basilisk that could breach enemy fortifications.
    • Historians found records of a basilisk cannon used during the siege.
    • The museum displayed a replica of a 16th-century basilisk.
What does "basilisk" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean