punic Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the Phoenician dialect of ancient Carthage
  2. adjective of or relating to or characteristic of ancient Carthage or its people or their language
    Carthaginian.
    • the Punic Wars
    • Carthaginian peace
  3. adjective satellite tending to betray; especially having a treacherous character as attributed to the Carthaginians by the Romans
    perfidious; treacherous.
    • Punic faith
    • the perfidious Judas
    • the fiercest and most treacherous of foes
    • treacherous intrigues

WordNet

Pu"nic adjective
Etymology
L. Punicus pertaining to Carthage, or its inhabitants, fr. Poeni the Carthaginians.
Definitions
  1. Of or pertaining to the ancient Carthaginians.
  2. Characteristic of the ancient Carthaginians; faithless; treacherous; as, Punic faith.
    Yes, yes, his faith attesting nations own; 'T is Punic all, and to a proverb known. H. Brooke.

Webster 1913