serpent Hear it!

serpent definition

ser·pent (sʉr′pənt)

noun

  1. a snake, esp. a large or poisonous one
  2. Satan, in the form he assumed to tempt Eve: Gen. 3:1-5
  3. a sly, sneaking, treacherous person
  4. Music an early coiled, bass wind instrument of wood covered with leather

Etymology: OFr < L serpens (gen. serpentis) < prp. of serpere, to creep < IE base *serp-, to creep > Sans sárpati, (he) creeps, Gr herpein

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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