† Jacule

Obs. rare. [ad. L. jaculus a darting serpent, f. jacĕre to throw. Cf. OF. jacule a dart.] A serpent that darts on its prey.

1

[1398. Trevisa, Barth. De P. R., XVIII. ix. (Bodl. MS.). Þe serpent þ^t hat Iaculus fleeþ as a darte … and ȝif he meteþ wiþ any beeste he þroweþ hym silfe þere vpon and sleeþ it.]

2

1572. Bossewell, Armorie, II. 62 b. N. beareth Azure, a Iacule d’Argent.

3

[1774. Goldsm., Nat. Hist., IV. 106. The manner of progression in the swiftest serpent we know, which is the jaculus, is by instantly coiling itself upon its tail and darting from thence to its full extent.]

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