Hypertext Webster Gateway: "monster"
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Monster \Mon"ster\, n. [OE. monstre, F. monstre, fr. L.
monstrum, orig., a divine omen, indicating misfortune; akin
of monstrare to show, point out, indicate, and monere to
warn. See {Monition}, and cf. {Demonstrate}, {Muster}.]
1. Something of unnatural size, shape, or quality; a prodigy;
an enormity; a marvel.
A monster or marvel. --Chaucer.
2. Specifically, an animal or plant departing greatly from
the usual type, as by having too many limbs.
3. Any thing or person of unnatural or excessive ugliness,
deformity, wickedness, or cruelty.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Monster \Mon"ster\, a.
Monstrous in size. --Pope.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Monster \Mon"ster\, v. t.
To make monstrous. [Obs.] --Shak.
From WordNet (r) 1.7 (wn)
monster
n 1: an imaginary creature usually having various human and
animal parts
2: someone or something that is abnormally large and powerful
[syn: {giant}, {goliath}, {behemoth}, {colossus}]
3: a person or animal that is markedly unusual or deformed
[syn: {freak}, {monstrosity}, {lusus naturae}]
4: a cruel wicked and inhuman person [syn: {fiend}, {devil}, {demon},
{ogre}]
5: (medicine) a grossly malformed and usually nonviable fetus
[syn: {teras}]
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