Halcyon \Hal"cy*on\ (h[a^]l"s[i^]*[o^]n), n. [L. halcyon,
   alcyon, Gr. "alkyw`n, 'alkyw`n: cf. F. halcyon.] (Zool.)
   A kingfisher. By modern ornithologists restricted to a genus
   including a limited number of species having omnivorous
   habits, as the sacred kingfisher ({Halcyon sancta}) of
   Australia.
   
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         Amidst our arms as quiet you shall be
         As halcyons brooding on a winter sea.    --Dryden.
   
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Halcyon \Hal"cy*on\, a.
   1. Pertaining to, or resembling, the halcyon, which was
      anciently said to lay her eggs in nests on or near the sea
      during the calm weather about the winter solstice.
      
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   2. Hence: Calm; quiet; peaceful; undisturbed; happy. "Deep,
      halcyon repose." --De Quincy.
      
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