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Crocodile
(3 syl.). A symbol of deity among the Egyptians, because it is
the only aquatic animal, says Plutarch, which has its eyes covered with
a thin transparent membrane, by reason of which it sees and is not
seen; so God sees all, Himself not being seen. To this he subsequently
adds another reason, saying, “The Egyptians worship God symbolically in
the crocodile, that being the only animal without a tongue, like the
Divine Logos, which standeth not in need of speech.” (De Iside et
Osiride, vol. ii. p. 381.)
Achilles Tatius says, “The number of its teeth equals the number of
days in a year.” Another tradition is, that during the seven days held
sacred to Apis, the crocodile will harm no one.
Crocodile
(King). A king who devours his people, or at least their
substance. Browne, in his Travels, tells us that there is a king
crocodile, as there is a queen bee. The king crocodile has no tail.
Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894 More on Crocodile from Infoplease:
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