joint snake
noun1
A mythical creature of the southern United States, a snake that can reassemble itself when broken or cut into pieces.
- The farmer, however, knowing the habits of joint snakes, had hidden one of the middle pieces in his pocket.1941, Arkansas: a guide to the state:
- Nat knew, though he had never seen one, that there were such things as joint snakes and hoop snakes.1988, Harold Sinclair, American Years:
1 more example
- You take them joint snakes, now. That's not one of God's works. You hit one, he breaks into pieces, layin' on the ground like a broken icicle...2007, Gil Adamson, The Outlander:
- Related terms
- hoop snake