| 释义 |
† Helena Obs.|ˈhɛlɪnə|
[a. L. Helena, a. Gr. Ἑλένη female proper name. The Greek Helene was the sister of Castor and Pollux, the name given to double meteors at sea; but there was perh. association also with Gr. ἑλένη torch.]
A meteoric light seen about the masts of ships: cf. corposant.
1563W. Fulke Meteors (1640) 11 b, Seen on the land, is called..Ignis fatuus..That which is seene on the Sea, if it be but one, is named Helena, if it be two, it is called Castor and Pollux. 1601Holland Pliny I. 18 But if they appeare two and two together, they bring comfort with them..as by whose comming, they say, that dreadfull, cursed, and threatning meteor called Helena is chased and driuen away. |