Forms: 4 stellioun, (6 erron. stelon), 6– stellion. [ad. L. stelliōnem (stellio); according to Pliny f. stella star. Cf. F. stellion.] In early use, a kind of lizard with starlike spots, mentioned by ancient writers. In modern use, a lizard of the genus Stellio or family Stellionidæ, native in Southern Europe and Asia.
1382. Wyclif, Lev. xi. 30. A stellioun, that is a werme depeyntid as with sterris.
1572. Bossewell, Armorie, II. 62 b. The fielde is Argente, a Stellion proper.
1592. Lodge, Euphues Shadow, N 4. Stelon vnlesse it encounter the Toade is of no proofe.
1600. Surflet, Country Farm, II. lxii. 405. Neither the venemous stellion, nor the villanous beetle … shall possibly enter to rob the hiues.
1609. Bible (Douay), Prov. xxx. 28. The stellion stayeth on his handes, and tarieth in kings houses.
1621. G. Sandys, Ovid’s Met., V. Argt. Th’ ill-nurtur’d Boy a spotted Stellion growes.
1661. Lovell, Hist. Anim. & Min., 282. Stamped they help the poyson of the Stellion.
1688. R. Holme, Armoury, II. 206/2. A Stellion proper; or a Stellion Serpent, to distinguish it from the Stellion-Horse.
1840. Cuvier’s Anim. Kingd., 275. The Stellions.
1845. J. E. Gray, Catal. Lizards Brit. Mus., 255. The Stellion or Hardun. Stellio Cordylina. Ibid. The Caucasian Stellion. Stellio caucasicus.
