'viper grass' definitions:
Definition of 'viper grass'
From: GCIDE
- viper \vi"per\ (v[imac]"p[~e]r), n. [F. vip[`e]re, L. vipera, probably contr. fr. vivipera; vivus alive + parere to bring forth, because it was believed to be the only serpent that brings forth living young. Cf. Quick, a., Parent, Viviparous, Wivern, Weever.] [1913 Webster]
- 1. (Zool.) Any one of numerous species of Old World venomous snakes belonging to Vipera, Clotho, Daboia, and other genera of the family Viperidae. [1913 Webster]
- There came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand. --Acts xxviii. 3. [1913 Webster]
- Note: Among the best-known species are the European adder (Pelias berus), the European asp (Vipera aspis), the African horned viper (Vipera cerastes), and the Indian viper (Daboia Russellii). [1913 Webster]
- 2. A dangerous, treacherous, or malignant person. [1913 Webster]
- Who committed To such a viper his most sacred trust Of secrecy. --Milton. [1913 Webster]
- 3. Loosely, any venomous or presumed venomous snake. [PJC]
- Horned viper. (Zool.) See Cerastes.
- Red viper (Zool.), the copperhead.
- Viper fish (Zool.), a small, slender, phosphorescent deep-sea fish (Chauliodus Sloanii). It has long ventral and dorsal fins, a large mouth, and very long, sharp teeth.
- Viper's bugloss (Bot.), a rough-leaved biennial herb (Echium vulgare) having showy purplish blue flowers. It is sometimes cultivated, but has become a pestilent weed in fields from New York to Virginia. Also called {blue weed}.
- Viper's grass (Bot.), a perennial composite herb (Scorzonera Hispanica) with narrow, entire leaves, and solitary heads of yellow flowers. The long, white, carrot-shaped roots are used for food in Spain and some other countries. Called also viper grass. [1913 Webster]