[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).
c. 1386. Chaucer, Monkes T., 112. He drow out Cerberus, the hound of helle.
1513. Douglas, Æneis, VI. vi. 69. Cerberus, the hidduus hund Quham til the prophetes A sop stepit intill hunny gan cast.
1632. Milton, LAllegro, 2. Melancholy, of Cerberus and blackest Midnight born.
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.
1695. Congreve, Love for L., I. iv. 17. If I can give that Cerberus a sop, I shall be at rest for one Day.
1773. Foote, Nabob, I. There is but one way of managing here: I must give the Cerberus a sop, I suppose.
1825. Hor. Smith, Gaities & Grav. I will throw down a napoleon, as a sop to Cerberus.
b. attrib.
1807. W. Irving, Salmag. (1824), 6. We keep more than a Cerberus Watch over the golden rules of female delicacy.