a. [ F. infernal, L. infernalis, fr. infernus that which lies beneath, the lower. See Inferior. ] [ 1913 Webster ] 1. Of or pertaining to or suitable for the lower regions, inhabited, according to the ancients, by the dead; pertaining to Pluto's realm of the dead, the Tartarus of the ancients. [ 1913 Webster ] The Elysian fields, the infernal monarchy. Garth. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. Of or pertaining to, resembling, or inhabiting, hell; suitable for hell, or to the character of the inhabitants of hell; hellish; diabolical; as, infernal spirits, or conduct. [ 1913 Webster ] The instruments or abettors in such infernal dealings. Addison. [ 1913 Webster ]
Infernal machine, a machine or apparatus maliciously designed to explode, and destroy life or property. --
Infernal stone (lapis infernalis), lunar caustic; formerly so called. The name was also applied to caustic potash.
Syn. -- Tartarean; Stygian; hellish; devilish; diabolical; satanic; fiendish; malicious. [ 1913 Webster ] | 