First published 1921; not fully revised
† zodiac linenoun
Factsheet
What does the noun zodiac line mean?
There is one meaning in OED's entry for the noun zodiac line. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definition, usage, and quotation evidence.
This word is now obsolete. It is only recorded in the late 1500s.
Entry status
OED is undergoing a continuous programme of revision to modernize and improve definitions. This entry has not yet been fully revised.
Where does the noun zodiac line come from?
Earliest known use
late 1500s
The only known use of the noun zodiac line is in the late 1500s.
OED's only evidence for zodiac line is from 1590, in the writing of Thomas Watson, poet and translator.
Nearby entries
- zoanthus, n.1841–
- zoarial, adj.1896–
- zoarium, n.1880–
- zob, n.1911–
- zocalo, n.1884–
- zocco, n.1664–1723
- zocle, n.1704–
- zoco, n.1892–
- zodiac, n.1390–
- zodiacal, adj.1576–
- zodiac line, n.1590
- zodiac ring, n.1895–
- zodiographer, n.1650
- zoea, n.1828–
- zoeal, adj.?1870–
- zoetrope, n.1866–
- zographer, n.1570
- zography, n.1570
- zograscope, n.1753–
- Zohar, n.1682–
- zoic, adj.1863–
Meaning & use
Obsolete.
- 1590The zodiac.
- 1590
Ye Figures in the Zodiacke line, that decke heauns girdle with æternall light.
T. Watson, Poems (Arb.) 157
- zodiac1390–Astronomy. A belt of the celestial sphere extending about 8 or 9 degrees on each side of the ecliptic, within which the apparent motions of the…
- signifera1413–1867= zodiac, n. 1a. Also personified. Obsolete (rare after 17th cent.).
- zodiac circle1447–
- zodiac line1590The zodiac.
- baldric1596–figurative. The zodiac, viewed as a gem-studded belt.