cockatrice

Definition

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.

Etymology

First attested 1382 as Middle English cocatrice (“basilisk”), from Old French cocatriz, from Late Latin calcātrīx (“she who treads upon something”), from Latin calcō (“tread”), from calx (“heel, hoof”).

Example Sentences

• "“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.”"
• "For, behold, I will send serpents, cockatrices, among you, which will not be charmed, and they shall bite you, saith the Lord."
• "this little cockatrice of a king"