\Vi"per\, n. [F. vip[`e]re, L. vipera, probably contr. fr.
vivipera; vivus alive + parere to bring forth, because it was
believed to be the only serpent that brings forth living
young. Cf. {Quick}, a., {Parent}, {Viviparous}, {Wivern},
{Weever}.]
1. (Zo["o]l.) Any one of numerous species of Old World
   venomous makes belonging to {Vipera}, {Clotho}, {Daboia},
   and other genera of the family {Viperid[ae]}.

         There came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on
         his hand.                             --Acts xxviii.
                                               3.

Note: Among the best-known species are the European adder
      ({Pelias berus}), the European asp ({Vipera aspis}),
      the African horned viper ({V. cerastes}), and the
      Indian viper ({Daboia Russellii}).

2. A dangerous, treacherous, or malignant person.

         Who committed To such a viper his most sacred trust
         Of secrecy.                           --Milton.

{Horned viper}. (Zo["o]l.) See {Cerastes}.

{Red viper} (Zo["o]l.), the copperhead.

{Viper fish} (Zo["o]l.), a small, slender, phosphorescent
   deep-sea fish ({Chauliodus Sloanii}). It has long ventral
   and dorsal fins, a large mouth, and very long, sharp
   teeth.

{Viper's bugloss} (Bot.), a rough-leaved biennial herb
   ({Echium vulgare}) having showy purplish blue flowers. It
   is sometimes cultivated, but has become a pestilent weed
   in fields from New York to Virginia. Also called {blue
   weed}.

{Viper's grass} (Bot.), a perennial composite herb
   ({Scorzonera Hispanica}) with narrow, entire leaves, and
   solitary heads of yellow flowers. The long, white,
   carrot-shaped roots are used for food in Spain and some
   other countries. Called also {viper grass}.