Basilisk

Basilisk Bas"i*lisk, n. [L. basiliscus, Gr. basili`skos little king, kind of serpent, dim. of basiley`s king; -- so named from some prominences on the head resembling a crown.] 1. A fabulous serpent, or dragon. The ancients alleged that its hissing would drive away all other serpents, and that its breath, and even its look, was fatal. See {Cockatrice}. [1913 Webster]

Make me not sighted like the basilisk. --Shak. [1913 Webster]

2. (Zo["o]l.) A lizard of the genus {Basiliscus}, belonging to the family {Iguanid[ae]}. [1913 Webster]

Note: This genus is remarkable for a membranous bag rising above the occiput, which can be filled with air at pleasure; also for an elevated crest along the back, that can be raised or depressed at will. [1913 Webster]

3. (Mil.) A large piece of ordnance, so called from its supposed resemblance to the serpent of that name, or from its size. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]