Definitions

from The Century Dictionary.

  • An obsolete spelling of siren.

from the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English.

  • noun rare See siren.

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • noun Archaic form of siren.

Etymologies

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Examples

  • He retired therefore to his cell, to try how far psalmody might be able to drive off the sounds of the syren tune which haunted his memory.

    The Monastery 2008

  • Like another syren, she seemed to have enchanted him to this fatal island to charm and to destroy.

    The Curate and His Daughter, a Cornish Tale 2008

  • He thought he heard the tones of a piano and of a syren singing, coming from the drawing-room and sweeping over the balcony-shrubbery of geraniums.

    The History of Pendennis 2006

  • Poor Smirke wanted to go away from the sight of the syren widow.

    The History of Pendennis 2006

  • And now you will not wonder to find Miss Bell an implacable rival, rather than an affectionate sister; and will be able to account for the words witchcraft, syren, and such like, thrown out against you; and for her driving on for a fixed day for sacrificing you to Solmes: in short, for her rudeness and violence of every kind.

    Clarissa Harlowe 2006

  • The spreading dusk at length reminded Adeline of her distance from the inn, and that she had her way to find through a wild and lonely wood: she bade adieu to the syren that had so long detained her, and pursued the path with quick steps.

    The Romance of the Forest 2004

  • Why had he thrown himself in the way of that syren?

    Tales of all countries 2004

  • She moved slowly towards the spot, which she had almost reached, when the sound of her steps startled and silenced the syren, who, on perceiving a stranger, arose in an attitude to depart.

    A Sicilian Romance 2004

  • We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth—and listen to the song of that syren, till she transforms us into beasts.

    Patrick Henry (1736-99) 1989

  • That my Children may follow his Example, is my earnest Prayer: but I sometimes tremble, when I hear the syren songs of sloth, least they should be captivated with her bewitching Charms and her soft, insinuating Musick.

    Letter from John Adams to Abigail Adams, April - May 1780 1973

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  • I pity Dolabella; but she’s dangerous:

    Her eyes have power beyond Thessalian charms,

    To draw the moon from heaven; for eloquence,

    The sea-green Syrens taught her voice their flattery;

    And, while she speaks, night steals upon the day,

    Unmarked of those that hear.

    - John Dryden, 'All for Love'.

    September 20, 2009