Nessus

or Nes·sos

[ nes-uhs ]

noun

, Classical Mythology.

1. a centaur who, on attempting to seduce Deianira, the wife of Hercules, was shot by Hercules with a poisoned arrow. Before Nessus died, he gave to Deianira the poisoned tunic that ultimately caused Hercules' death.

Nessus

/ ˈnɛsəs /

noun

1. Greek myth a centaur that killed Hercules. A garment dipped in its blood fatally poisoned Hercules, who had been given it by Deianira who thought it was a love charm

Example Sentences

If you use it wisely, it may be Ulysses' hauberk; if you reject it, the shirt of Nessus were a cooler winding-sheet!

From Project Gutenberg

Nessus, before expiring, instructed Dejanira how to prepare a love potion for Hercules.

From Project Gutenberg

But was it not really deadly as a shirt of Nessus, the poison of which would penetrate her limbs, would creep into her very soul?

From Project Gutenberg

If it is money, it stings; if it is place and position, it becomes the shirt of Nessus.

From Project Gutenberg

In London however this Centauric school of medicine had not thriven, when the rude Nessus could not heal himself.

From Project Gutenberg