Kingly; royal. This word, from Greek roots, describes something majestic or regal, and is the origin of names for several plants, animals, and structures, including the basil plant and the basilisk lizard.
Kingly; royal. This word, from Greek roots, describes something majestic or regal, and is the origin of names for several plants, animals, and structures, including the basil plant and the basilisk lizard.
| Back | basilic /buh-SIL-ik, -ZIL-/ |
|---|---|
| Front | adjective Kingly; royal. [From Latin basilicus, from Greek basilikos (royal). Earliest documented use: 1727. Many things are named after this kingly word: plants, animals, architecture, and more. Basil, the aromatic herb of the mint family, is named so because it was used in royal preparations for medicine, bath, etc. A large vein of the upper arm is called the basilic vein due to its supposed importance. The basilisk lizard (and the legendary reptile) are named for their crown-like crest. In ancient Rome, a basilica was a large public court building and the word began to be applied to churches of the same form.] "The fair Prince Filiberto solemnly approached the Pope. ... 'Are You quite good now?' the boy continued, with great black basilic eyes." - Frederick Rolfe; Hadrian the VII; 1904. |
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