Meaning of Halcyon | Babel Free

Definitions

1. A kingfisher whose nesting by the sea was said, in classical mythology, to cause the Gods to restrain the wind and waves.
   poetic
2. The dead body of such a bird, said in Tudor times to act as a weather vane when hung from a beam.
   poetic
3. A tropical kingfisher of the genus Halcyon, such as the sacred kingfisher (Halcyon sancta) of Australia.

Equivalents

Examples

“the Halcyon bird, or as some call it Alcedo or Kings-fisher, exceeds all mens conceit. […] Gods decree hath been, that all the watrie wildernesse should be quiet and made calme, without raine, wind, or tempest, during the time the Halcyon sitteth and bringeth forth her young-ones […]”

“Amidſt our Arms as quiet you ſhall be / As Halcyons Brooding on a Winter Sea.”

“And, by the way, during those halcyon days (the halcyon was there, too, chattering above every creek, as he is all over the world) we fought another battle.”

“But novv hovv ſtands the vvind? / Into vvhat corner peeres my Halcions bill?”

“Renege, affirm, and turn their halcyon beaks / With every gale and vary of their master”

CEFR level