Zodiac
Zodiac , noun
[French zodiaque (compare Italian zodiaco), from Latin zodiacus, Greek {not transcribed} (sc. {not transcribed}), from {not transcribed}, dim. of zw^,on an animal, akin to {not transcribed} living, {not transcribed} to live.]
1.
(a) (Astronomy) 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 one constituted, and from which were named, the twelve signs of the zodiac.
(b)
(Astronomy) A figure representing the signs, symbols, and constellations of the zodiac.
2.
A girdle; a belt. [Poetic & Rare]
By his side,
As in a glistering zodiac, hung the sword.