asp

Everyday

An asp is a small, poisonous snake, found in hot countries and in old stories. tree →

In the lessons

in fables and tales an asp is a snake that speaks or glides across the road

Examples

• The fox nearly stepped on an asp. tree →
• The asp slid quietly across the path. tree →
• In the story the asp was clever and could talk. tree →

Note

nothing for maths

In Jewish tradition

In the Torah the poison of asps is a picture of how bitter and deadly the ways of the wicked are. In the primary lessons: in fables and tales an asp is a snake that speaks or glides across the road

Examples

• Their wine is the venom of serpents, and the cruel poison of asps. (Torah DEU.32.33, JPS 1917) tree →
• He shall suck the poison of asps; the viper's tongue shall slay him. (Writings JOB.20.16, JPS 1917) tree →
• Yet his food in his bowels is turned, it is the gall of asps within him. (Writings JOB.20.14, JPS 1917) tree →
• Their venom is like the venom of a serpent; they are like the deaf asp that stoppeth her ear; (Writings PSA.58.5, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

nothing for maths

Early Modern English

Meaning

A small, poisonous snake. tree →

Then and now

Rare today, and mostly found in old stories. We would just say snake or viper.

Examples

• Their wine is the venom of serpents, and the cruel poison of asps. (Torah DEU.32.33, JPS 1917) tree →
• And the fox went on till he nearly fell over an asp who was gliding across the road. (The Brown Fairy Book) tree →
• “Well, if you only want them for a short time, perhaps I could manage,” answered the asp; “but I can’t do without them for long.” (The Brown Fairy Book) tree →

Note

Today: snake; viper.