Scōr'pi-on, n.
n. [Fr. scorpion, Pr. & Sp. escorpion, It. scorpione, Lat. scorpio, scorpius, Gr. σκορπίος, σκορπίου, allied to A-S. scearp, Eng. sharp.] 1. A pedipalpous, pulmonary arachnidan, of the genus Scorpio.
Scorpions have an elongated body, terminated by a long, slender tail formed of six joints, the last of which terminates in an arcuated and very acute sting, which effuses a venomous liquid. This sting gives rise to excruciating pain, but is unattended either with redness or swelling, except in the axillary or inguinal glands, when an extremity is affected. It is very seldom, if ever, destructive of life. Scorpions are found pretty widely dispersed in the warm climates of both the Old and New Worlds.
Sense 2. (Script.) A painful scourge; a kind of whip armed with points like a scorpion’s tail.
My father hath chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions. 1 Kings xii. 11.
Sense 3. (Astron.) The eighth sign of the zodiac, which the sun enters about Oct. 23; Scorpio.
Sense 4. (Ichth.) A certain sea fish; the sea-scorpion.
Sense 5. (Antiq.) An ancient military engine for hurling stones and other missiles.
