unicorn

Definition

A mythical horse, widely believed to exist until the 17th century, with a single, straight, spiraled horn projecting from its forehead.

Etymology

From Middle English unicorne, unikorn, from Anglo-Norman unicorne, Old French unicorne, and their source, Latin ūnicornis, from ūnus (“one”) + cornū (“horn”). Other senses from either rarity (e.g., possessing multiple skills) or by physical resemblance to having a horn (e.g., howitzer). The finance sense was coined by American investor Aileen Lee and first used in a 2013 article.

Example Sentences

• "[Seb.] A liuing Drolerie: now I will beleeue / That there are Vnicornes:[…]"
• "The unicorn who may be touched and tamed only by a chaste virgin is a lunar symbol of the ancient religion of Europe."
• "God brought him forth out of Egypt, he hath as it were the ſtrength of an Vnicorne: he ſhall eate vp the nations his enemies, and ſhall breake their bones, and pierce them thorow with his arrowes."