Vī'per, n.
n. [Fr. vipère, Pr. vipera, vibra, Sp. & Pg. víbora, It. & Lat. vipera, probably contracted from vivipera, from Lat. vivus, alive, and parere, to bring forth, because it was believed to be the only serpent that brings forth living young.]
Sense 1. (Zoöl.) One of a family of poisonous reptiles belonging to the order of the snakes. The species are found mostly in Africa and Asia.
There came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand. Acts xxviii. 3.
Sense 2. Hence, a malignant person; a base, contemptible villain.
Who committed To such a viper his most sacred trust Of secrecy. Shak.
