Hercules
- Also Heracles. Also called Alcides. Classical Mythology. a celebrated hero, the son of Zeus and Alcmene, possessing exceptional strength: among his many adventures were the twelve labors for his cousin Eurystheus, performed in order to gain immortality.Compare labors of Hercules.
- Astronomy. a northern constellation, between Lyra and Corona Borealis.
Origin of Hercules
Examples from the Web for hercules
Contemporary Examples
The dealership called the Hercules team “right then and there,” Pedro Sr. said.
The public debut of the Hercules Group is a day that not many in Matamoros are likely to forget.
In her remarks, the Hercules Group was synonymous with peace and safety.
Outside, on the roof, the clock is flanked by more Beaux Arts touches: statues of Hercules, Mercury, and Minerva.
Historical Examples
But his astonishment could hardly have been greater than was that of Hercules, the next moment.
The Three Golden ApplesNathaniel Hawthorne
Hercules then asked whereabouts the Old One was most likely to be met with.
The Three Golden ApplesNathaniel Hawthorne
And what should Hercules espy there, but an old man, fast asleep!
The Three Golden ApplesNathaniel Hawthorne
"Come and take it off my shoulders, then," answered Hercules, lifting his club.
Tanglewood TalesNathaniel Hawthorne
His countenance was that of an Ogre on the shoulders of a Hercules.
Hercules1
Heracles or Herakles
- Also called: Alcides classical myth a hero noted for his great strength, courage, and for the performance of twelve immense labours
- a man of outstanding strength or size
Hercules2
- a large constellation in the N hemisphere lying between Lyra and Corona Borealis
- a conspicuous crater in the NW quadrant of the moon, about 70 kilometres in diameter
Word Origin and History for hercules
Hercules
hero, son of Zeus and Alcmene, c.1200 (originally in reference to the Pillars of Hercules), also Ercules, from Latin Hercles, from Greek Herakles, literally "Glory of Hera;" from Hera (q.v.) + kleos "glory, renown" (see Clio). Used figuratively of strength since late 14c. Vocative form Hercule was a common Roman interjection (especially me Hercule!) "assuredly, certainly."
Hercules
- A constellation in the Northern Hemisphere near Lyra and Corona Borealis.
Hercules
One of the greatest heroes of classical mythology, he is supposed to have been the strongest man on earth. He was renowned for completing twelve seemingly impossible tasks — the Labors of Hercules. One of these labors was the cleaning of the Augean stables; another was the killing of the nine-headed Hydra. Hercules was a son of Zeus.