Ser"pen*tine (?), a. [L. serpentinus: cf. F. serpentin.]
Resembling a serpent; having the shape or qualities of a serpent; subtle; winding or turning one way and the other, like a moving serpent; anfractuous; meandering; sinuous; zigzag; as, serpentine braid.
Thy shape
Like his, and color serpentine.
Milton.
© Webster 1913.
Ser"pen*tine, n. [Cf. (for sense 1) F. serpentine, (for sense 2) serpentin.]
1. Min.
A mineral or rock consisting chiefly of the hydrous silicate of magnesia. It is usually of an obscure green color, often with a spotted or mottled appearance resembling a serpent's skin. Precious, or noble, serpentine is translucent and of a rich oil-green color.
⇒ Serpentine has been largely produced by the alteration of other minerals, especially of chrysolite.
2. Ordnance
A kind of ancient cannon.
© Webster 1913.
Ser"pen*tine, v. i.
To serpentize.
[R.]
Lyttleton.
© Webster 1913.