αποφώλιο τέρας

Greek

Alternative forms

• αποφώλιον τέρας (apofólion téras) (more formal)

Etymology

Via the Katharevousa expression ἀποφώλιον (apophṓlion) τέρας (téras) (hiderous monster), a rendering of the ancient phrase ἀποφώλιον τρέφος (tréphos) by Euripides, describing the Minotaur. See ἀποφώλιος (apophṓlios)

Phrase

αποφώλιο τέρας • (apofólio téras)

1. (dated) literally: hideous monster (of criminals who committed hideous acts)

See also

• not related: αποφώλι n (apofóli, “nest egg”)

Further reading

• "αποφώλιον τέρας" - αποφώλιο τέρας - Babiniotis, Georgios (2002) Λεξικό της νέας ελληνικής γλώσσας: […] [Dictionary of Modern Greek (language)] (in Greek), 2nd edition, Athens: Kentro Lexikologias [Lexicology Centre], 1st edition 1998, →ISBN.
• αποφώλιος - Georgakas, Demetrius, 1908-1990 (1960-2009) A Modern Greek-English Dictionary [MGED online, 2009. letter α only], Centre for the Greek language