‖ Morpheus
(ˈmɔːfjuːs)
[L.; Ovid's name for the god of dreams, the son of Sleep, as if a. Gr. *Μορϕεύς, f. µορϕή form.]
The god of dreams (popularly often taken as the god of sleep).
| c 1369 Chaucer Dethe Blaunche 167 Morpheus, and Eclympasteyre, That was the god of slepes heyre. c 1420 Lydg. Assembly of Gods 14 Anone came in Morpheus & toke me by the sleue. 1590 Spenser F.Q. i. i. 36, 40. 1605 Chapman All Fools iii. Plays 1873 I. 146 Or from the Iuory gate Hath Morpheus sent a vision to delude me? 1748 Thomson Cast. Indol. i. xliv, And hither Morpheus sent his kindest dreams. 1857 Kingsley Two Y. Ago xxiv, Sunk though he be upon a garret floor, With fumes of Morpheus' crown about his head. |