| python | 1. <zoology> Any species of very large snakes of the genus Python, and allied genera, of the family Pythonidae. They are nearly allied to the boas. Called also rock snake. The pythons have small pelvic bones, or anal spurs, two rows of subcaudal scales, and pitted labials. They are found in Africa, Asia, and the East Indies. 2. A diviner by spirits. "[Manasses] observed omens, and appointed pythons." . Origin: NL, fr. L. Python the serpent slain near Delphi by Apollo, Gr. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
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| pythoness | 1. The priestess who gave oracular answers at Delphi in Greece. 2. Any woman supposed to have a spirit of divination; a sort of witch. Origin: L. Pythonissa: cf. F. Pythonisse. See Pythian. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| pythonism | The art of predicting events after the manner of the priestess of Apollo at Delphi; equivocal prophesying. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| pythonomorpha | <paleontology> Same as Mosasauria. Origin: NL. See Python, and -morphous. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |