Hypertext Webster Gateway: "halcyon"
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Halcyon \Hal"cy*on\, n. [L. halcyon, alcyon, Gr.?: F. halcyon.]
(Zo["o]l.)
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.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Halcyon \Hal"cy*on\, 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.
2. Hence: Calm; quiet; peaceful; undisturbed; happy. ``Deep,
halcyon repose.'' --De Quincy.
From WordNet (r) 1.7 (wn)
halcyon
adj 1: idyllically calm and peaceful; suggesting happy
tranquillity; "a halcyon atmosphere"
2: joyful and carefree; "halcyon days of youth"
3: marked by peace and prosperity; "a golden era"; "the halcyon
days of the clipper trade" [syn: {golden}, {prosperous}]
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