• (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.

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