azure dragon; the seven eastern asterisms; vicious demon; metaphor for a wicked person
Meanings
2 senses · 5 examplesnoun
azure dragon; the collective name for the seven eastern asterisms in the traditional Chinese lunar mansion system
literaryAlso known as 青龙 (Qīnglóng). One of the Four Symbols (四象) representing the east and the spring season. Please refer to 【二十八宿】 on page 363 for details on the twenty-eight mansions.
The Azure Dragon is the divine beast representing the east.
In ancient astronomy, the seven asterisms of the Azure Dragon rise in the spring.
noun
a ferocious demon in ancient legends; now often a metaphor for an extremely wicked or vicious person
This usage carries a strong negative, almost monstrous connotation. It is used in both literary contexts to describe mythical demons and in modern figurative language to vilify someone.
Legend has it that a man-eating demon dragon lived in that cave.
That dictator is a vicious dragon who brings disaster to the country and its people.
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We must behead this societal menace (like slaying a dragon).