uraeus

American  

[yoo-ree-uhs] / yʊˈri əs /

noun

uraeuses plural

1. the sacred asp as represented upon the headdress of divinities and royal personages of ancient Egypt, usually directly over the forehead, as an emblem of supreme power.

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uraeus British  

/ jʊˈriːəs /

noun

1. the sacred serpent represented on the headdresses of ancient Egyptian kings and gods

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Etymology

Origin of uraeus

1825–35; < New Latin < Late Greek ouraîos, perhaps based ultimately on Egyptian yʿrt cobra, altered by association with Greek ouraîos of the tail; see uro- ²

Example Sentences

I will play thee three games, and stake the sacred circlet upon my brow, against the Royal uraeus on thine, and the winner shall wear both.'

From The World's Desire by Haggard, Henry Rider

Where she had been appeared an old man, simply-clad, long-bearded, wise-faced, and wearing on his grey hair no crown save a plain band of gold, from the centre of which rose the snake-headed uraeus crest.

From Smith and the Pharaohs, and other Tales by Haggard, Henry Rider

Where chrysanthemum and yashmak turban and tarboosh, uraeus and Indian plume had mingled gaily, no soul remained; but yet—he was in error ... someone did remain.

From Brood of the Witch-Queen by Rohmer, Sax

All wisdom is in the mouth of thy majesty; Thy uraeus is on thy forehead, thou drivest away the miserable.

From Egyptian Tales, Translated from the Papyri First series, IVth to XIIth dynasty by Petrie, W. M. Flinders (William Matthew Flinders), Sir

The respective legs of this table were indicated by differently shaped uraei outlined on the floor, the head of each being extended in the direction of the similar uraeus twined round the leg.

From The Jewel of Seven Stars by Stoker, Bram