Viper
['vaɪpə] or ['vaɪpɚ]
Definition
(noun.) venomous Old World snakes characterized by hollow venom-conducting fangs in the upper jaw.
Edited by Clare--From WordNet
Definition
(a.) Any one of numerous species of Old World venomous makes belonging to Vipera, Clotho, Daboia, and other genera of the family Viperidae.
(a.) A dangerous, treacherous, or malignant person.
Edited by Cecilia
Definition
n. a genus of venomous snakes representative of family Viperid—the Common Viper or adder being the only poisonous snake indigenous to Britain: loosely any venomous serpent except a rattlesnake any cobriform serpent: any base malicious person.—adjs. Vī′perine related to or resembling the viper; Vī′perish like a viper; Vī′perous having the qualities of a viper: venomous: malignant.—adv. Vī′perously.—Viper's bugloss the blue weed or blue thistle; Viper's grass a European perennial of the aster family.
Checked by Desmond
Unserious Contents or Definition
To dream of a viper, foretells that calamities are threatening you. To dream that a many-hued viper, and capable of throwing itself into many pieces, or unjointing itself, attacks you, denotes that your enemies are bent on your ruin and will work unitedly, yet apart, to displace you.
Typist: Remington
Examples
- Give my love to your aunt, George dear, and implore her not to curse the viper that has crossed your path and blighted your existence. Charles Dickens. Our Mutual Friend.
- The highest speed ever attained, however, is by the British torpedo boat Viper, which is 210 feet long, and, like the Turbinia, is equipped with the Parsons steam turbines. Edward W. Byrn. The Progress of Invention in the Nineteenth Century.
- I view you, sir, personally and politically, in no other light than as a most unparalleled and unmitigated viper. Charles Dickens. The Pickwick Papers.
- I consider you, sir,' said Mr. Pott, moved by this sarcasm, 'I consider you a viper. Charles Dickens. The Pickwick Papers.
- A viper--a fiddlestick, said Miss Sharp to the old lady, almost fainting with astonishment. William Makepeace Thackeray. Vanity Fair.
- In a recent trial the Viper covered a measured mile at the rate of 37. Edward W. Byrn. The Progress of Invention in the Nineteenth Century.
- Well, it is a very ancient remedy--the old remedy of the viper-catchers, I believe, replied the doctor. Thomas Hardy. The Return of the Native.
- Jo glanced at the sheet and saw a pleasing illustration composed of a lunatic, a corpse, a villain, and a viper. Louisa May Alcott. Little Women.
- I have nourished a viper in my bosom. William Makepeace Thackeray. Vanity Fair.
- Then comes remorse, with all its vipers, mixed with vain regrets for the past, and despair for the future! Walter Scott. Ivanhoe.
- Yes, he continued, there are some vipers that you warm, and they sting you afterwards. William Makepeace Thackeray. Vanity Fair.
- Some reptiles, some vipers for example, are viviparous, but none stand by their young as the real mammals do. H. G. Wells. The Outline of History_Being a Plain History of Life and Mankind.
Checked by Jocelyn