python
1
9.9
- noun
- /ˈpaɪθən/
- Archaic
:
pitonisa
- The villagers consulted the ancient python to seek guidance on their future and to interpret their dreams.
Examples
-
According to local legend, the python spoke to the oracle, revealing secrets of fate and destiny.
-
"Bring your friends to my woods," the python instructed them.
Fiction book (1999) -
In 1988, at the 1:3 Infantry Battalion's Sizhubane Camp, problems emerged with a spiritual python that regularly visited a pond on camp grounds.
Academic text (1997) -
Elders of the Venda and Basutho people (two minor ethnic groups) of the area knew the python was a spiritual snake, but the battalion did not respect the snake.
Academic text (1997) -
In some cultures, the python is considered a powerful soothsaying spirit that can deliver important messages.
Synonyms
14
8.9
A person who gives wise advice and says what will happen
A woman who tells the future, like an ancient oracle
A woman at Delphi in ancient Greece who gives mysterious advice from the god Apollo to people who ask
Compounds
1
8.0
A very large snake from Southeast Asia with skin like a net that is not venomous
- Australian
A large snake from Australia and New Guinea with shiny purple scales
- Indian
A very large snake from South and Southeast Asia that has no venom and can grow very long
- Specialized
A very large snake from Southeast Asia that can grow over six meters long
- Specialized
A large snake from northern Australia with many different colored marks on its back
Surface Forms
Etymology
Python once also meant a person who spoke for that same Greek spirit, because at Delphi a priestess was believed to be filled by Pythōn and could 'tell the future'. That's why in old texts a python could mean someone who gave oracles.