DictionaryRoot: cocatriz
Old French
cocatriz
fabulous monster
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noun
cockatrice
KAH-kuh-truhs/ˈkɑkətrəs/
A mythical serpent-like monster said to kill with its gaze.
Etymology
Behind Old French cocatriz lies a name for an Egyptian animal said to track down and kill crocodiles. Confusion over that animal’s identity eventually made the name denote a basilisk-like serpent with a deadly glance.