pendragon

¹

[ pen-drag-uhn ]

noun

1. the supreme leader: the title of certain ancient British chiefs.

Pendragon

²

[ pen-drag-uhn ]

noun

1. either of two kings of ancient Britain. Compare Arthur ( def 2 ), Uther.

pendragon

/ pɛnˈdræɡən /

noun

1. a supreme war chief or leader of the ancient Britons

Derived Forms

• penˈdragonˌship, noun

Other Words From

• pen·dragon·ish adjective
• pen·dragon·ship noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of pendragon¹

1470–80; < Medieval Latin (Geoffrey of Monmouth) Uthyrpendragun Uther Pendragon, taken as Medieval Welsh pen ( n ) head + *dragun < Late Latin dracōnēs, plural of dracō military standard, Latin: serpent, dragon (hence, chief or head standard), though the compound is unattested in Welsh sources outside of translations of Geoffrey of Monmouth

Word History and Origins

Origin of pendragon¹

Welsh, literally: head dragon

Example Sentences

This place belongs to Old Pendragon, whom we call the Admiral; though he retired before getting the rank.

From Project Gutenberg

"I don't believe in anything," answered Pendragon very briskly, with a bright eye cocked at a red tropical bird.

From Project Gutenberg

Pendragon sprang to his feet and paced swiftly to and fro across the window, from which the face had instantly vanished.

From Project Gutenberg

His appearance gave a new idea to Charlie Pendragon, who, although he was now sadly out of breath, once more upraised his voice.

From Project Gutenberg

Her father was Uther the pendragon, and her mother Ygerna, widow of Gorloïs.

From Project Gutenberg