Definify.com

Webster 1913 Edition


Circean

Cir-ce′an

,
Adj.
[L.
Circaeus
.]
Having the characteristics of Circe, daughter of Sol and Perseis, a mythological enchantress, who first charmed her victims and then changed them to the forms of beasts; pleasing, but noxious;
as, a
Circean
draught
.

Webster 1828 Edition


Circean

CIRCEAN

,
Adj.
Pertaining to Circe, the fabled daughter of Sol and Perseis, who was supposed to possess great knowledge of magic and venomous herbs, by which she was able to charm and fascinate.

Definition 2024


Circean

Circean

English

Alternative forms

Adjective

Circean (comparative more Circean, superlative most Circean)

  1. Of or pertaining to Circe, the Greek goddess, a mythological enchantress who first charmed her victims and then changed them into animals.
  2. (by extension) alluring but dangerous
    • 2004, David Mitchell, Cloud Atlas
      Returned to the château just before it got dark, ate cold meats in Mrs Willems's kitchen. Learnt that J. and her Circean caresses were in Brussels on estate business []

Derived terms