Basilisk

Basilisk (ba-suh-lisk)

A Basilisk is a legendary reptile renowned to be a serpent king, that kills those that gases upon its eyes. In Plini the Elder's Naturalis Historia, the Basilisk of Cyrene is a small snake, "not more than twelve inches in lengch", so venomous it left a trail of deadly venom on its wake and its gaze was likewise lethal.A basilisk is also considered to be synonymous with the Cockatrice.

Etymology

Originating from the greek form basiliskos (Greek: βασιλίσκος; Latin: basiliscus), meaning "little king", "little prince", "chieftain" or young ruller", by two components, basoleús (king) e -iskos (diminutive).

Basilisk in Dungeons and Dragons

Although it has eight legs, its sluggish metabolism allows only a slow movement rate, A basilisk is usually dull brown in color, with a yellowish underbelly. Its eyes glow pale green.

"These reptilian monsters all posses a gaze that enables them to turn any Fleshy creature to stone; their gaze extends into the As¬ tral and Ethereal planes."