| diadem | 1. Originally, an ornamental head band or fillet, worn by Eastern monarchs as a badge of royalty; hence (later), also, a crown, in general. "The regal diadem." 2. Regal power; sovereignty; empire; considered as symbolized by the crown. 3. An arch rising from the rim of a crown (rarely also of a coronet), and uniting with others over its center. Diadem lemur. 4. <zoology> The garden spider. Origin: F. Diademe, L. Diadema, fr. Gr, fr. To bind round; through, across + to bind; cf. Skr. Da to bind. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
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