Friday word: Halcyon

[med_cat]

Halcyon

Adjective:

1. denoting a period of time in the past that was idyllically happy and peaceful.

Noun:

1. a tropical Asian and African kingfisher with brightly colored plumage.


2. a mythical bird said by ancient writers to breed in a nest floating at sea at the winter solstice, charming the wind and wave into calm.

(from writerscircle.com)

More historical info and examples here: http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/halcyon-days.html

Comments

[trellia-chan.livejournal.com]

What a gorgeous word! I love every definition too.

[med_cat]

Pleased you liked it! The etymology was new to me, too :)

[kryptyd.livejournal.com]

I've always wondered about why that word has the first meaning and also means kingfisher. I always amend it in my head to "back in those kingfisher days..." which is just silly.

[med_cat]

Haha! Well, now you know :)