a. (and sb.) [a. F. Avernal ‘hellish’ (Cotgr.), ad. L. Avernālis, f. Avernus: see prec. and -AL 1.] A. adj. Of the nature of, or belonging to, Avernus; infernal. B. sb. An inhabitant of Avernus, a devil. Avernian a. = prec. adj.
c. 1578. Gascoigne, Devyll’s Will. The Courte Auernall. Ibid. Pamachios … doth cause all his Auernals, forked tipes and annointed Gentlemen to come to the readynge of the Deuylls Testament and last Wyll.
1660. Stanley, Hist. Philos. (1701), 603/1. Avernal places, so termed, for that they are pernicious to Birds.
1853. F. Newman, Odes of Horace, 57. Through all the house Avernal waters sprinkling.
1864. Webster, Avernian.
