A creature of various mythologies; usually represented as breathing fire and having a reptilian body and sometimes wings; SYN. firedrake.
Mythical reptilian beast, often portrayed with wings and breathing fire. An occasional feature of classical legend (Andromeda), dragons later held a central place as opponents of gods and heroes in Vedic, Teutonic (Siegfried), Anglo-Saxon, and Christian (St George) mythologies, possibly accounting for their heraldic role on medieval banners and weaponry.
In Christian art the dragon is linked with the devil; in traditional Chinese belief it is a symbol of divinity and royalty, associated with storms and rain.

Name popularly given to various sorts of lizard. These include the flying dragon Draco volans of SE Asia; the komodo dragon Varanus komodoensis of Indonesia, at over 3 m/10 ft the largest living lizard; and some Australian lizards with bizarre spines or frills.
Any of several small tropical Asian lizards capable of gliding by spreading winglike membranes on each side of the body; SYN. flying dragon, flying lizard.

ETYM French dragon, Latin draco, from Greek, akin to Skr. darg to see. Related to Drake a dragon, Dragoon.
1. A fiercely vigilant and unpleasant woman; SYN. tartar.
2. A violent, combative, or very strict person.