Cockatrice
/ˈkɒk.ə.trɪs/noun
A mythical creature, part rooster and part serpent, believed to have lethal powers.
Did you know?In medieval bestiaries, the cockatrice was often linked to alchemy and transformation, representing the deadly power of creation and destruction.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
cocatrix
“A creature resembling a dragon, often depicted as a rooster with a serpent's tail.”
Middle English
Middle English
cokatrice
“A mythical beast believed to be born from a rooster's egg and possessing deadly powers.”
Old French
Old French
cocatrix
“A creature of legends associated with death and treachery.”
14th Century
English
cockatrice
“A term adopted into English, retaining its connotations of danger and lethal charm.”
Modern English
English
cockatrice
“Continues to signify a fearsome mythical being with origins rooted in folklore.”