viper

viper vi"per (v[imac]"p[~e]r), n. [F. vip[`e]re, L. vipera, probably contr. fr. vivipera; vivus alive + parere to bring forth, because it was believed to be the only serpent that brings forth living young. Cf. {Quick}, a., {Parent}, {Viviparous}, {Wivern}, {Weever}.] [1913 Webster] 1. (Zo["o]l.) Any one of numerous species of Old World venomous snakes belonging to {Vipera}, {Clotho}, {Daboia}, and other genera of the family {Viperid[ae]}. [1913 Webster]

There came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand. --Acts xxviii. 3. [1913 Webster]

Note: Among the best-known species are the European adder ({Pelias berus}), the European asp ({Vipera aspis}), the African horned viper ({Vipera cerastes}), and the Indian viper ({Daboia Russellii}). [1913 Webster]

2. A dangerous, treacherous, or malignant person. [1913 Webster]

Who committed To such a viper his most sacred trust Of secrecy. --Milton. [1913 Webster]

3. Loosely, any venomous or presumed venomous snake. [PJC]

{Horned viper}. (Zo["o]l.) See {Cerastes}.

{Red viper} (Zo["o]l.), the copperhead.

{Viper fish} (Zo["o]l.), a small, slender, phosphorescent deep-sea fish ({Chauliodus Sloanii}). It has long ventral and dorsal fins, a large mouth, and very long, sharp teeth.

{Viper's bugloss} (Bot.), a rough-leaved biennial herb ({Echium vulgare}) having showy purplish blue flowers. It is sometimes cultivated, but has become a pestilent weed in fields from New York to Virginia. Also called {blue weed}.

{Viper's grass} (Bot.), a perennial composite herb ({Scorzonera Hispanica}) with narrow, entire leaves, and solitary heads of yellow flowers. The long, white, carrot-shaped roots are used for food in Spain and some other countries. Called also {viper grass}. [1913 Webster]