Halcyon
Pronunciation
- UK IPA: /ˈhælsiËÉ™n/
Origin
From Latin halcyon ("kingfisher"), alcyon, from Ancient Greek ἀλκυών.
Full definition of halcyon
Noun
halcyon
(plural halcyons)- In classical legends, a bird said to nest on the sea, thereby calming the waters; later usually identified with a type of kingfisher, hence (poetic) a kingfisher.
- 1603, John Florio, translating Michel de Montaigne, Essays, II.12:the Halcyon bird, or as some call it Alcedo or Kings-fisher, exceeds all mens conceit. ... Gods decree hath been, that all the watrie wildernesse should be quiet and made calme, without raine, wind, or tempest, during the time the Halcyon sitteth and bringeth forth her young-ones ....
- 1665, John Dryden, The Indian Emperour, IV iv 132:Amidst our arms as quiet you shall be
As halcyons brooding on a winter sea. - c. 1880, Ambrose Bierce, :And, by the way, during those halcyon days (the halcyon was there, too, chattering above every creek, as he is all over the world) we fought another battle.
- DrydenAmidst our arms as quiet you shall be
As halcyons brooding on a winter sea. - A tropical kingfisher of the genus Halcyon, such as the sacred kingfisher of Australia.