[Lat., a. Gr. Κέρβερος.] In Greek and Latin mythology the proper name of the watch-dog that guarded the entrance of the infernal regions, represented as having three heads. Used allusively, esp. in phrase, to give a sop to Cerberus (so as to stop his mouths for the moment: cf. Æneid VI. 417).

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c. 1386.  Chaucer, Monkes T., 112. He drow out Cerberus, the hound of helle.

2

1513.  Douglas, Æneis, VI. vi. 69. Cerberus, the hidduus hund … Quham til the prophetes … A sop stepit intill hunny … gan cast.

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1632.  Milton, L’Allegro, 2. Melancholy, of Cerberus and blackest Midnight born.

4

1640.  Sir E. Dering, Sp. on Relig., 14 Dec. v. 14. A three-fold Chimæra, a monster to our Lawes, a Cerberus to our Religion.

5

1695.  Congreve, Love for L., I. iv. 17. If I can give that Cerberus a sop, I shall be at rest for one Day.

6

1773.  Foote, Nabob, I. There is but one way of managing here: I must give the Cerberus a sop, I suppose.

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1825.  Hor. Smith, Gaities & Grav. I will throw down a napoleon, as a sop to Cerberus.

8

  b.  attrib.

9

1807.  W. Irving, Salmag. (1824), 6. We keep more than a Cerberus Watch over the golden rules of female delicacy.

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