labrys

English

labrys

Etymology

From Ancient Greek λάβρυς (lábrus, “axe”), from Lydian 𐤩𐤠𐤡𐤭𐤧𐤳 (lapryš).

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈlæ.brɪs/, /ˈleɪ̯.brɪs/

Noun

labrys (plural labryses)

1. (mythology) A double-headed axe in Minoan mythology.
2. (LGBT) A symbol of a double-headed axe used to represent lesbian pride.
   • 1988 April 2, Elizabeth Pincus, “NY Post gay-baits Arts Council”, in Gay Community News, page 5:

     She said more Arts Council staff were expressing support by wearing labyrises ^[sic] and pink triangles.

Synonyms

• (double-headed axe): bipennis, twibill

Further reading

• labrys on Wikipedia.Wikipedia

Anagrams

• Bralys