%alcyon%

‖n. pl. [ NL. ] (Zool.) A group of soft-bodied Alcyonaria, of which Alcyonium is the type. See Illust. under Alcyonaria. [ 1913 Webster ]

‖prop. n. pl. [ NL. ] (Zool.) One of the orders of Anthozoa. It includes the Alcyonacea, Pennatulacea, and Gorgonacea. [ 1913 Webster ]

‖n. pl. [ L., pl. of Alcyon. ] (Zool.) The kingfishers. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. (Zool.) Of or pertaining to the Alcyonaria. [ 1913 Webster ]

‖n. [ Gr. &unr_; a zoöphyte, so called from being like the halcyon's nest. ] (Zool.) A genus of fleshy Alcyonaria, its polyps somewhat resembling flowers with eight fringed rays. The term was also formerly used for certain species of sponges. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ Gr. 'alkyo`nion + -oid. ] (Zool.) Like or pertaining to the Alcyonaria. -- n. A zoöphyte of the order Alcyonaria. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. halcyon, alcyon, Gr. "alkyw`n, 'alkyw`n: cf. F. halcyon.] (Zool.) A kingfisher. By modern ornithologists restricted to a genus including a limited number of species having omnivorous habits, as the sacred kingfisher (Halcyon sancta) of Australia. [1913 Webster]

Amidst our arms as quiet you shall be
As halcyons brooding on a winter sea. Dryden. [1913 Webster]

a. 1. Pertaining to, or resembling, the halcyon, which was anciently said to lay her eggs in nests on or near the sea during the calm weather about the winter solstice. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Hence: Calm; quiet; peaceful; undisturbed; happy. “Deep, halcyon repose.” De Quincy. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Halcyon; calm. [ 1913 Webster ]