moloch1
/ˈməʊlɒk
/noun
A harmless spiny lizard of grotesque appearance which feeds chiefly on ants, found in arid inland Australia. Also called mountain devil, thorny devil.
- Moloch horridus, family Agamidae.
Origin
From Moloch.
Moloch2
/ˈməʊlɒk/1A Canaanite idol to whom children were sacrificed.
1.1 (as noun a Moloch) A person or thing to which extreme or terrible sacrifices were made.The spelling reform is a Moloch in the days of empty coffers, which will cost everyone a huge amount....
- There is no excuse for any parent who would knowingly sacrifice his son or daughter to the fires of this Moloch, no excuse for wittingly allowing a child to remain within the system for one day longer than necessary!
Origin
Via late Latin from Greek Molokh, from Hebrew mōleḵ.