Zo"di*ac (?), n. [F. zodiaque
(cf. It. zodiaco), fr. L. zodiacus, Gr. ? (sc. ?),
fr. ?, dim. of zw^,on an animal, akin to ? living, ?
to live.]
1. (Astron.) (a) 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) A figure
representing the signs, symbols, and constellations of the
zodiac.
2. A girdle; a belt. [Poetic & R.]
By his side,
As in a glistering zodiac, hung the sword.
Milton.