halcyon

¹hal·cy·on

noun \ˈhal-sē-ən\

Definition of HALCYON

1

: a bird identified with the kingfisher and held in ancient legend to nest at sea about the time of the winter solstice and to calm the waves during incubation

2

: kingfisher

Origin of HALCYON

Middle English alceon, from Latin halcyon, from Greek alkyōn, halkyōn

First Known Use: 14th century

Other Mythology and Folklore Terms

elysian, fay, muse, nimbus, phoenix