Rubicon
['ruːbɪk(ə)n;-kɒn]
Definition
(noun.) a line that when crossed permits of no return and typically results in irrevocable commitment.
(noun.) the boundary in ancient times between Italy and Gaul; Caesar's crossing it with his army in 49 BC was an act of war.
Checker: Patty--From WordNet
Definition
(n.) A small river which separated Italy from Cisalpine Gaul, the province alloted to Julius Caesar.
Checked by Edmond
Definition
n. a stream of Central Italy forming the boundary in the republican period of ancient Roman history between the province of Gallia Cisalpina and Italia proper.—Pass the Rubicon to take a decisive irrevocable step as Julius CéŽ ar's crossing this stream the limit of his province—a virtual declaration of war against the republic.
Checked by Basil
Examples
- The Rubicon, I felt, was passed; and it behoved me well to reflect what I should do on this hither side of disease and danger. Mary Shelley. The Last Man.
- He had broken the law by bringing his legions across the Rubicon, which was the boundary between his command and Italy proper. H. G. Wells. The Outline of History_Being a Plain History of Life and Mankind.
- The Rubicon, we know, was a very insignificant stream to look at; its significance lay entirely in certain invisible conditions. George Eliot. Middlemarch.
Typist: Lottie