Nessus

or Nes·sos

[ nes-uh s ]

/ ˈnɛs əs /

noun Classical Mythology.

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.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Examples from the Web for nessus

The universal verdict clutched him like the shirt of Nessus.
Trifles for the Christmas Holidays|H. S. Armstrong
In crossing one of these valleys Nessus suddenly lifted his hand.
The Young Carthaginian|G.A. Henty
The example of vice does not rankle in their breasts, like the poisoned shirt of Nessus.
Winterslow|William Hazlitt
He strode along, then, with a rapid but careful step, Nessus following closely behind him.
The Young Carthaginian|G.A. Henty

Li´chas.Bearer of the Nessus robe;slain by Hercules, 236-238.
Myths of Greece and Rome|H. A. Guerber

British Dictionary definitions for nessus

Nessus

/ (ˈnɛsəs) /

noun

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012