Zō′di-āc, n.
n. [Fr. zodiaque, Pr. zodiac, Sp., Pg., & It. zodiaco, Lat. zodiacus, Gr. ζωδιακός (sc. κύκλος), from ζώδιον, diminutive of ζῷον, an animal.]
Sense 1. (Astron.) An imaginary belt in the heavens, 16° or 18° broad, in the middle of which is the ecliptic, or sun’s path. It comprises the twelve constellations, which once constituted, and from which are named, the twelve signs of the zodiac.
Sense 2. A girdle. [Rare.]
As in a glistering zodiac, hung his sword. Milton.
