Scorpion
adjEtymology From the animal scorpion, from Latin scorpio (“scorpion”).
1
Astrology, Human sciences, Mysticism, Philosophy, Sciences Of or relating to the Scorpio star sign.
scorpion
nounalso spelled ScorpionUK /ˈskɔː.pi.ən/ · US /ˈskɔɹ.pi.ən/
Etymology From Middle English scorpioun, skorpioun, schorpion, schorpiun, partly from Old English sċorpio and partly from Anglo-Norman scorpïun, Old French scorpïon, escorpïon; all from Latin scorpiō, ultimately from Ancient Greek σκορπίος (skorpíos). The cheerleading move is so called because of the resemblance of the raised foot to a scorpion's stinger. Displaced native Old English þrōwend (“scorpion”).
1
Any of the order Scorpiones of arachnids related to spiders, characterised by two large front pincers and a curved tail with a venomous sting at the end.
- Who led thee through that great and terrible wildernesse, wherein were fierie serpents, and scorpions, & drought, where there was no water, who brought thee foorth water out of the rocke of flint,1611, The Holy Bible, […] (King James Version), London: […] Robert Barker, […], →OCLC, Deuteronomy 8:15:
- I have caught them under my pillow and on my head; while in every box, and under every board which has lain for some days undisturbed, little scorpions are sure to be found snugly ensconced, with their formidable tails quickly turned up ready for attack or defence.1869, Alfred Russel Wallace, The Malay Archipelago, volume II, London: Macmillan and Co., page 258:
2
Historical An ancient military engine for hurling stones and other missiles.
3
Figuratively A very spiteful or vindictive person.
4
A cheerleading move in which one foot is pulled back and held up with both hands while the performer stands on the other foot.
- And now whereas my father did lade you with a heauy yoke, I wil adde to your yoke: my father hath chastised you with whippes, but I will chastise you with scorpions.1611, The Holy Bible, […] (King James Version), London: […] Robert Barker, […], →OCLC, 1 Kings 12:11:
- Derived terms
33 terms
bark scorpion, book scorpion, book-scorpion, emperor scorpion, false scorpion, microwhip scorpion, pseudoscorpion, rock scorpion, scorpionate, scorpion bowl, scorpion broom, scorpion bug, scorpionfish, scorpion fly, scorpionfly, scorpion grass, scorpionid, scorpionism, scorpion kick, scorpionlike, scorpion lobster, scorpion mouse, scorpion plant, scorpion senna, scorpion shell, scorpion spider, scorpion volley, scorpionweed, sea scorpion, Trinidad scorpion, water scorpion, whip scorpion, wind scorpion