triskelion

[ trih-skel-ee-on, -uhn, trahy- ]

noun

, plural tris·kel·i·a [trih-, skel, -ee-, uh, trahy-].

1. a symbolic figure consisting of three legs, arms, or branches radiating from a common center, as the device of Sicily and the Isle of Man.

triskelion

/ trɪˈskɛlɪˌɒn; -ən; ˈtrɪskiːl /

noun

1. a symbol consisting of three bent limbs or lines radiating from a centre

Word History and Origins

Origin of triskelion¹

1855–60; < Greek triskel ( ḗs ) three-legged ( tri- tri- + skél ( os ) leg + -ēs adj. suffix) + -ion diminutive suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of triskelion¹

C19: from Greek triskelēs three-legged, from tri- + skelos leg

Example Sentences

Flat jade discs called bi were a staple of Chinese ritual art for most of its history, but the two notched triskelions in the ancient jade show at J.J.

From New York Times

Today many far right-wing organisations use the triskelion, most prominently the neo-Nazi network Blood and Honour.

From The Guardian

To these supplicants the winter solstice betokened little or nothing and it is not surprising to find no proofs of the employment of the triskelion as a sacred symbol in ancient Mexico.

From Project Gutenberg

Assuming that the triskelion was the sign for the winter solstice we should thus have natural signs for the two nights marking the turning-points of light and darkness in the year.

From Project Gutenberg

Brandenburg, spearhead from, illustrating triskelion and swastika associated, 28.

From Project Gutenberg