In mythology the Basilisk was a fabulous creature formerly believed to exist, and variously regarded as a kind of serpent, lizard, or dragon, and sometimes identified with the cockatrice. It inhabited the deserts of Africa, and its breath and even its look was fatal. Research Basilisk
The Cockatrice is a fictious creature said to be hatched from a cock's egg by a serpent. It is an ugly creature with a crested head, glittering eyes, a barbed tongue and a serpents tail. Mention is made of the Cockatrice in several passages of the bible. It probably has as its origin the hermaphroditic fowl - a crowing hen - which is known to occur in nature. In 1474 a Basel cock was sentenced to death for laying an egg! Research Cockatrice
HMS Cockatrice was a British Algerine Class minesweeper of 950 tons displacement launched in 1942. HMS Cockatrice was powered by two 3-drum type boilers providing a top speed of 16.5 knots. She carried a peacetime complement of 85 and between 104 and 138 in war. For defence she was armed with one 4-inch dual-purpose gun; four 40 mm anti-aircraft guns and two depth charge throwers. Research Cockatrice
In heraldry a cockatrice is a representation of the mythical cockatrice, a reptile with the head, wings, and legs of a bird, and tail of a serpent. Research Cockatrice
The Probert Encyclopaedia was designed, edited and programed by
Matt and Leela Probert
Abbreviations
Research Basilisk
