kerykeion
9.9
A staff carried by messengers in ancient Greece with two snakes and wings as a sign of authority
- noun
- /ˌkɛrɪˈkaɪən/
- Archaic
:
caduceo
- In ancient Greece, a herald would often carry a kerykeion to signify his authority while delivering messages.
Examples
-
His left hand holds a golden staff, his kerykeion (or caduceus), which resembles the staves carried by Ares.
Academic text (2008) -
His kerykeion functioned as a tool for directing souls.
Academic text (2008) -
The statue depicted Hermes holding a kerykeion, adorned with two snakes entwined around the staff.
-
During the ceremony, the messenger raised the kerykeion above his head to announce the arrival of important news.
Synonyms
1
9.9
A staff with two snakes wrapped around it and wings, used as a medical symbol
represents messenger authority and communication in ancient Greece
Surface Forms
Etymology
Kerykeion comes from the old Greek word keryx meaning 'herald', and it was the staff a messenger carried to show their job and power. Think of Hermes holding the staff with two snakes and wings; that picture helps you remember that a kerykeion is a sign of authority and communication.