Judas | n. The disciple who betrayed Christ. Hence: A treacherous person; one who betrays under the semblance of friendship. -- a. Treacherous; betraying. [ 1913 Webster ] Judas hole, a peephole or secret opening for spying. -- Judas kiss, (a) a deceitful and treacherous kiss. (b) an act appearing to be an act of friendship, which is in fact harmful to the recipient. -- Judas tree (Bot.), a leguminous tree of the genus Cercis, with pretty, rose-colored flowers in clusters along the branches. Judas is said to have hanged himself on a tree of this genus (Cercis Siliquastrum). Cercis Canadensis and Cercis occidentalis are the American species, and are called also redbud. [ 1913 Webster ]
|