Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Basilisk
Bas′i-lisk
,Noun.
[L.
basiliscus
, Gr. βασιλίσκοσ
little king, kind of serpent, dim. of βασιλεύσ
king; – so named from some prominences on the head resembling a crown.] 1.
A fabulous serpent, or dragon. The ancients alleged that its hissing would drive away all other serpents, and that its breath, and even its look, was fatal. See
Cockatrice
. Make me not sighted like the
basilisk
. Shakespeare
2.
(Zool.)
A lizard of the genus
Basiliscus
, belonging to the family Iguanidæ
. ☞ This genus is remarkable for a membranous bag rising above the occiput, which can be filled with air at pleasure; also for an elevated crest along the back, that can be raised or depressed at will.
3.
(Mil.)
A large piece of ordnance, so called from its supposed resemblance to the serpent of that name, or from its size.
[Obs.]
Webster 1828 Edition
Basilisk
BAS'ILISK
,Noun.
1.
A fabulous serpent, called a cockatrice, and said to be produced from a cock's egg brooded by a serpent. The ancients alledged that its hissing would drive away all other serpents, and that its breath and even its look was fatal. Some writers suppose that a real serpent exists under this name.2.
In military affairs, a large piece of ordnance, so called from its supposed resemblance to the serpent of that name, or from its size. This cannon carried a ball of 200 pounds weight,but is not now used. Modern writers give this name to cannon of a smaller size, which the Dutch make 15 feet long, and the French 10, carrying a 48 pound ball.