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plural cockatrices
(mythology) A legendary creature about the size and shape of a dragon or wyvern, but in appearance resembling a giant rooster, with some lizard-like characteristics. quotations
“Peace reigns in happy Luxor. The lion lies down with the lamb, and the child, if it will, may harmlessly put its hand into the cockatrice’s den.”
c. 1910, Joseph Walker McSpadden, The Spell of Egypt
(obsolete) Mistress, harlot.
(fantasy, folklore) A snake or serpent that appears to be hatched from a rooster, or cock's, egg. quotations examples
For, behold, I will send serpents, cockatrices, among you, which will not be charmed, and they shall bite you, saith the Lord.
1611, The Holy Bible, […] (King James Version), London: […] Robert Barker, […], Jeremiah 8:17
(speculated) The cobra. examples
(obsolete, figurative) Any venomous or deadly thing. quotations
this little cockatrice of a king
1622, Francis, Lord Verulam, Viscount St. Alban [i.e. Francis Bacon], The Historie of the Raigne of King Henry the Seventh, […], London: […] W[illiam] Stansby for Matthew Lownes, and William Barret