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Webster 1913 Edition

Halcyon

Hal′cy-on

(hăl′sĭ-ŏn)
,
Noun.
[L.
halcyon
,
alcyon
, Gr.
ἁλκυών
,
ἀλκυών
: cf. F.
halcyon
.]
(Zool.)
A kingfisher. By modern ornithologists restricted to a genus including a limited number of species having omnivorous habits, as the sacred kingfisher (
Halcyon sancta
) of Australia.
Amidst our arms as quiet you shall be
As
halcyons
brooding on a winter sea.
Dryden.

Hal′cy-on

,
Adj.
1.
Pertaining to, or resembling, the halcyon, which was anciently said to lay her eggs in nests on or near the sea during the calm weather about the winter solstice.
2.
Hence: Calm; quiet; peaceful; undisturbed; happy.
“Deep, halcyon repose.”
De Quincy.

Webster 1828 Edition

Halcyon

HAL'CYON

,
Noun.
hal'shon. [L. halcyon; Gr. a king-fisher.]
The name anciently given to the king-fisher, otherwise called alcedo; a bird that was said to lay her eggs in nests, on rocks near the sea, during the calm weather about the winter solstice. Hence,

HAL'CYON

,
Adj.
Calm; quiet; peaceful; undisturbed; happy. Halcyon days were seven days before and as many after the winter solstice, when the weather was calm. Hence by halcyon days are now understood days of peace and tranquility.

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