Sĕr'pent1, n.
n. [Fr. & Pr. serpent, It. serpente, Sp. serpiente, Lat. serpens, serpentis (sc. bestia), fr. serpens, p. pr. of serpere, Gr. ἕρπειν, to creep.]
Sense 1. (Zoöl.) A snake; an ophidian reptile without feet.
The bodies of serpents are extremely elongated, and move by means of the folds they form when in contact with the ground. Their hearts have two auricles. This is the widest use of the term serpent. This term is likewise applied to a family of ophidian reptiles, which comprises all the genera without a sternum, and without any vestige of a shoulder.
Sense 2. Figuratively, a subtle or malicious person.
Sense 3. A species of firework having a serpentine motion as it passes through the air.
Sense 4. (Astron.) A constellation represented as a serpent held by Ophiuchus or Serpentarius. P. Cyc.
Sense 5. (Mus.) A bass wind instrument, of a loud and coarse tone, formerly much used in military bands, and sometimes introduced into the orchestra; — so called from its form.
Serpent. (5.)
