A striped racer, also known as the California whipsnake, is a species of non-venomous snake native to the coast and foothills of California. It is a long, slender, and fast-moving snake, identified by its distinctive stripes running down the length of its body. They primarily feed on lizards and small rodents. The scientific name for this species is Masticophis lateralis.
Nessus shirt
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(1) In Greek mythology, the shirt given to Hercules after the poisonous blood of the slain centaur [Nessus] had been smeared on it .
(2) Used allusively, to denote any destructive or expiatory force or influence. -- [Oxford English Dictionary] {This dictionary is far and away the very best, the most complete dictionary of the English language. See www.[oed].com }.
{From the Oxford English Dictionary}:
Nessus, n.
{ ‘ Used allusively in compounds and phrases (as Nessus-robe, Nessus shirt; Nessus shirt, shirt of Nessus), to denote any destructive or expiatory force or influence. }
Etymology: < Nessus (classical Latin Nessus, ancient Greek Νέσσος), the name of the centaur slain by Hercules, in classical mythology, whose blood later poisoned Hercules after he was given a garment smeared with it to wear.
Nessus shirt meaning & definition 1 of Nessus shirt.