Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Viper?

\Vi"per\, n. [F. vip[`e]re, L. vipera, probably contr. fr. vivipera; vivus alive + parere to bring forth, because it was believed to be the only serpent that brings forth living young. Cf. {Quick}, a., {Parent}, {Viviparous}, {Wivern}, {Weever}.] 1. (Zo["o]l.) Any one of numerous species of Old World venomous makes belonging to {Vipera}, {Clotho}, {Daboia}, and other genera of the family {Viperid[ae]}. There came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand. --Acts xxviii. 3. Note: Among the best-known species are the European adder ({Pelias berus}), the European asp ({Vipera aspis}), the African horned viper ({V. cerastes}), and the Indian viper ({Daboia Russellii}). 2. A dangerous, treacherous, or malignant person. Who committed To such a viper his most sacred trust Of secrecy. --Milton. {Horned viper}. (Zo["o]l.) See {Cerastes}. {Red viper} (Zo["o]l.), the copperhead. {Viper fish} (Zo["o]l.), a small, slender, phosphorescent deep-sea fish ({Chauliodus Sloanii}). It has long ventral and dorsal fins, a large mouth, and very long, sharp teeth. {Viper's bugloss} (Bot.), a rough-leaved biennial herb ({Echium vulgare}) having showy purplish blue flowers. It is sometimes cultivated, but has become a pestilent weed in fields from New York to Virginia. Also called {blue weed}. {Viper's grass} (Bot.), a perennial composite herb ({Scorzonera Hispanica}) with narrow, entire leaves, and solitary heads of yellow flowers. The long, white, carrot-shaped roots are used for food in Spain and some other countries. Called also {viper grass}.