silenus Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun any of the minor woodland deities who were companions of Dionysus (similar to the satyrs)
  2. noun the chief satyr in the service of Bacchus; father of Dionysus; usually depicted as drunk and jolly and riding a donkey

WordNet

Si*le"nus noun
Etymology
L. Silenus the tutor and attendant of Bacchus.
Definitions
  1. (Zoöl.) See Wanderoo.

Webster 1913