halcyon Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun (Greek mythology) a woman who was turned into a kingfisher
    Alcyone.
  2. noun a large kingfisher widely distributed in warmer parts of the Old World
    genus Halcyon.
  3. noun a mythical bird said to breed at the time of the winter solstice in a nest floating on the sea and to have the power of calming the winds and waves
  4. adjective satellite idyllically calm and peaceful; suggesting happy tranquillity
    • a halcyon atmosphere
  5. adjective satellite marked by peace and prosperity
    golden; prosperous.
    • a golden era
    • the halcyon days of the clipper trade

WordNet

Hal"cy*on noun
Etymology
L. halcyon, alcyon, Gr.: F. halcyon.
Definitions
  1. (Zoöl.) 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.
    Amidst our arms as quiet you shall be As halcyons brooding on a winter sea. Dryden.
Hal"cy*on adjective
Definitions
  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.
  2. Hence: Calm; quiet; peaceful; undisturbed; happy. "Deep, halcyon repose." De Quincy.

Webster 1913