θηρίον
Alt. θηρίον, ου, τό,
Etym. in form a Dim. of θήρ, but in usage equiv. to it.
I. "a wild animal, beast", of a stag, Od.;—of "savage beasts", Hdt., Xen., etc.; but, of a pig, Plat.; of a dog, Theocr.:—in pl. "beasts", opp. to men, birds, and fishes, "wild animals, game", Hdt., Plat.:—proverb., ἢ θηρίον ἢ θεός, i. e. either below or above the nature of man, Arist.
2. "an animal", Hdt., Plat.
3. "a poisonous animal, reptile, serpent", NTest.
II. also as real Dim. "a little animal, insect", of bees, Theocr.
III. as a term of reproach, "beast!" like Lat. bellua, French "bete", Ar., Plat.