Main Entry: ¹bas·i·lisk

Pronunciation: \ˈba-sə-ˌlisk, ˈba-zə-\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English, from Latin basiliscus, from Greek basiliskos, from diminutive of basileus

Date: 14th century

1 : a legendary reptile with fatal breath and glance
2 : any of several crested tropical American lizards (genus Basiliscus of the family Iguanidae) related to the iguanas and noted for their ability to run on their hind legs