unicorn

unicorn (y`nĭkôrn), fabulous equine beast with a long horn jutting from the middle of its forehead. Once thought to be native to India, the unicorn was reportedly seen throughout the world. It was often considered as a composite creature, having the features of various animals. The unicorn is depicted as a beautiful animal, usually pure white in color. It has been used to represent virginity, but also has religious significance in connection with the Virgin Mary and Jesus. The hunting of the unicorn was a subject in tapestries of the late Middle Ages and the Renaissance.

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unicorn

Unicorn, detail from “The Lady and the Unicorn” tapestry, late 15th century; in the …

(credit: Giraudon/Art Resource, New York)

Mythological animal resembling a white horse with a single horn on its forehead. The unicorn was depicted in Mesopotamian art and was referred to in the ancient myths of India and China. Its earliest description in Greek literature dates from c. 400 BC and probably refers to the Indian rhinoceros. The unicorn was believed to be fierce and difficult to capture, but if a virgin were brought before it, it would lay its head in the virgin's lap. Its horn was thought to offer protection against poison. Medieval writers associated the unicorn with Jesus, and the hunt for the unicorn was often represented in medieval art.

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unicorn

capturable only by virgins; thus, a test of chastity. [Christian Symbolism: Appleton, 105]

See : Chastity

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unicorn

its horn used to test liquids for poison. [Medieval Legend: EB (1963) XXII, 702]

See : Poison