θηρίον 1 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.
