halcyon

Noun · Adjective
Synonyms: AlcyoneHalcyongenus Halcyongoldenprosperous

WordNet 3.0

Noun (3)

  1. (Greek mythology) a woman who was turned into a kingfisherSynonyms: AlcyoneHalcyon
  2. a large kingfisher widely distributed in warmer parts of the Old WorldSynonyms: Halcyongenus Halcyon
  3. a mythical bird said to breed at the time of the winter solstice in a nest floating on the sea and to have the power of calming the winds and waves

Adjective (2)

  1. idyllically calm and peaceful; suggesting happy tranquillity“a halcyon atmosphere”
  2. marked by peace and prosperity“a golden era”“the halcyon days of the clipper trade”Synonyms: goldenprosperous
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Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

Halcyon \Hal"cy*on\ (h[a^]l"s[i^]*[o^]n), n. [L. halcyon, alcyon, Gr. "alkyw`n, 'alkyw`n: cf. F. halcyon.] (Zool.) A kingfisher. By modern ornithologists restricted to a genus including a limited number of species having omnivorous habits, as the sacred kingfisher (Halcyon sancta) of Australia. [1913 Webster]

Amidst our arms as quiet you shall be As halcyons brooding on a winter sea. --Dryden. [1913 Webster]

Halcyon \Hal"cy*on\, a.

1.Pertaining to, or resembling, the halcyon, which was anciently said to lay her eggs in nests on or near the sea during the calm weather about the winter solstice. [1913 Webster]

2.Hence: Calm; quiet; peaceful; undisturbed; happy. "Deep, halcyon repose." --De Quincy. [1913 Webster]

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