Zo"di*ac (?), n. [F. zodiaque (cf. It.
zodiaco), fr. L. zodiacus, Gr. &?; (sc.
&?;), fr. &?;, dim. of zw^,on an animal, akin to &?; living, &?; to live.]
1. (Astron.) (a) An imaginary belt in the heavens, 16° or 18° broad, in the middle
of which is
the ecliptic, or sun's path. It comprises the twelve constellations, which one constituted, and from which were named, the twelve signs of the zodiac. (b)
A figure representing the signs, symbols, and
constellations of the zodiac.
2. A girdle; a belt. [Poetic & R.]
By his side,
As in a glistering
zodiac, hung the sword.
Milton.
Hear it pronounced