How Do You Spell COCKATRICE?

Pronunciation: [kˈɒkatɹɪs] (IPA)

Cockatrice is a word that sounds more complicated than it is. It is pronounced as /ˈkɒkətrɪs/ and is spelled exactly as it sounds. The word refers to a mythical creature that is a hybrid of a rooster and a serpent, which was believed to have the ability to turn people to stone. The word has its roots in Old French, where "cocatris" was used to describe a two-legged dragon or serpent. Despite its obscure origins, the word has managed to maintain its unique spelling and intriguing definition in modern times.

COCKATRICE Meaning and Definition

1. Cockatrice is a noun that refers to a mythical creature commonly associated with medieval folklore and legends. It is portrayed as a creature with the upper body of a rooster or chicken and the lower body of a serpent or dragon, possessing the ability to breathe fire. Often described as having a reptilian tail, wings, and a sharp beak, the cockatrice is believed to possess a lethal stare or gaze, capable of turning its victims into stone or causing instant death.

   The term "cockatrice" originates from the Latin word "cocatrix," which means "young cockerel" or "cockerel dragon." It gained popularity throughout medieval Europe, appearing in various myths, religious texts, and works of literature. It is sometimes considered a symbol of evil, often associated with the devil and representing deceit, danger, or curiosity.

   The concept of the cockatrice may have been influenced by ancient Greek and Roman mythology, specifically the creatures mentioned in the works of Pliny the Elder. It also bears similarities to other mythical creatures such as the basilisk, which is associated with similar lethal powers and physical attributes.

   Over time, the term "cockatrice" has become more metaphorical, being used to describe someone or something with a malicious or dangerous nature. In contemporary usage, it may also refer to a fictional creature in fantasy literature and games, often depicting a hybrid between a rooster and a reptile.

2. A fabulous animal; a cock with a dragon's tail, supposed to be hatched by a cock from a viper's egg, or from one of its own.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for COCKATRICE

• cocatrice
• cycatrice
• xockatrice
• vockatrice
• fockatrice
• dockatrice
• cickatrice
• ckckatrice
• clckatrice
• cpckatrice
• c0ckatrice
• c9ckatrice
• coxkatrice
• covkatrice
• cofkatrice
• codkatrice
• cockatroce
• cockatrife
• coakatrice
• cocketrice
• cockatrise
• cuckatrice
• cokatroce
• cockatrisse

Etymology of COCKATRICE

The word "cockatrice" comes from Middle English "kokatris" which was derived from Old French "cocatris" or "cocatrix", ultimately derived from Late Latin "cocatris" or "calcatrix". The Latin term itself was believed to be a corruption of "gallina calcatrix", meaning "tread upon hen". This name seemingly originated from the mythological creature's supposed ability to turn people into stone or kill them by looking at them, as if the creature tread upon them like a hen.

Similar spelling word for COCKATRICE

• Cook Strait.

Plural form of COCKATRICE is COCKATRICES