lamia
/ˈleɪmiə/
noun
- In mythology, a monster with the upper body of a woman and the lower body of a serpent, often said to prey on children.
- The ancient story described a lamia that lured travelers into the forest.
- In Greek myths, a lamia was a creature that stole and devoured children.
- The painting showed a lamia with a beautiful face and a snake's tail.
- A vampire-like creature or demon in folklore, sometimes depicted as a seductive female spirit.
- The old legend warned of a lamia that would drain the life from sleeping men.
- The horror movie featured a lamia that haunted an ancient castle.
- In some tales, a lamia could change from a snake into a beautiful woman.