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pentacle

[pen-tuh-kuh l]
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noun
  1. pentagram.
  2. a similar figure, as a hexagram.
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Origin of pentacle

First recorded in 1585–95, pentacle is from the Italian word pentacolo five-cornered object. See penta-, -cle1
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Related Words

cinquefoilpentanglepentagramquintuplelustrumcinquequinquenniumpentaclequintupletpentagonlimerickpentadquincunxquinquennialquintuplicate

Examples from the Web for pentacle

Historical Examples

  • But very remarkable, in the mid-roof, is the boss of the pentacle of Solomon.

    Footprints of Former Men in Far Cornwall

    Robert S. Hawker

  • It was only a partial 'defense' therefore, and I nearly died in the pentacle.

    Carnacki, The Ghost Finder

    William Hope Hodgson

  • Then, 'round him, I drew upon the floor the figure of a Pentacle, in chalk.

    Carnacki, The Ghost Finder

    William Hope Hodgson

  • I felt happier then; for this Pentacle is, as you all know, a wonderful 'Defense.'

    Carnacki, The Ghost Finder

    William Hope Hodgson

  • Like lightning, the thought sprang into my brain:—IT has crossed the Pentacle.

    Carnacki, The Ghost Finder

    William Hope Hodgson

British Dictionary definitions for pentacle

pentacle

noun
  1. another name for pentagram
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Word Origin

C16: from Italian pentacolo something having five corners; see penta-
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

Word Origin and History for pentacle

n.

1590s, from Medieval Latin pentaculum "pentagram," a hybrid coined from Greek pente "five" (see five) + Latin -culum, diminutive (or instrumental) suffix. OED notes other similar words: Italian had pentacolo "anything with five points," and French pentacle (16c.) was the name of something used in necromancy, perhaps a five-branched candlestick; French had pentacol "amulet worn around the neck" (14c.), from pend- "to hang" + a "to" + col "neck." The same figure as a pentagram, except in magical usage, where it has been extended to other symbols of power, including a six-point star. Related: Pentacular.

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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper