Where does “basilisk” come from?
Basilisk comes from Middle English basilisk, from Old French basilique, from Latin basiliscus, from Ancient Greek βασιλίσκος, derived from βασιλεύς meaning "king," ultimately from Proto-Hellenic gʷatiléus.
basilisk (English): A mythical snake-like dragon type, reputed to be...
Definitions
- A mythical snake-like dragon type, reputed to be...
Ancestry of “basilisk”, step by step
| Step | Language | Word | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Middle English | basilicke | basilisk mythological beast |
| 2 | Old French | basilique | basilisk; basil |
| 3 | Latin | basiliscus | a basilisk or cockatrice |
| 4 | Ancient Greek | βασιλίσκος | princelet, chieftain; basilisk, kind of serpent;... |
| 5 | Ancient Greek | βασιλεύς | chief, master; king, lord, patron |
| 6 | Proto-Hellenic | gʷatiléus | chief; king |