a. Obs. [f. L. chelīdonius (a. Gr. χελῑδόνιος pertaining to a swallow, f. χελῑδων swallow) + -AN; in senses 2–3, f. Gr. χελῑδονίας.]
1. [transl. L. chelīdonius.] (A fig) Of a reddish-brown color, like the swallow’s throat.
1601. Holland, Pliny, I. 442. The Chelidonian Figges be the last: and ripen against Winter.
2. Of a kind of serpent called χελιδονίας.
1607. Topsell, Serpents, 631. The Chersæan asps … grow to the length of five cubits; the Chelidonian, not above one.
3. Of the spring wind, called in Gr. χελιδονίας.
1625. N. Carpenter, Geog. Del., II. vi. 102. Such windes as are called Chelidonian, because they arise at the first comming of the Swallowes.
1884. Brit. Almanac & Comp., 56. An ancient name for the spring winds was the Chelidonian winds.
