cornix, īcis, f. [kindred with corvus and κορώνη],
a crow , Lucr. 5, 1083: rauca, id. 6, 753: garrula, Ov. M. 2, 548: loquax, id. F. 2, 89; Plin. 10, 12, 14, § 30 al.; renowned as being long lived, Lucr. 5, 1083; Cic. Tusc. 3, 28, 69; Hor. C. 3, 17, 13; Ov. M. 7, 274; Plin. 7, 48, 49, § 153 et saep.; its appearance on the left side was considered as a favorable omen, Plaut. As. 2, 1, 12; Cic. Div. 1, 39, 85; Verg. E. 9, 15; Phaedr. 3, 18, 12; cf. Suet. Dom. 23; and its cries as a sign of rain, Verg. G. 1, 388; Hor. C. 3, 17, 13.—Its eyes were used as a charm, Prop. 4 (5), 5, 16 Paley ad loc.—From its custom of attacking its prey first in the eyes is taken the proverb: cornicum oculos configere, to delude or deceive the most wary (Anglice, to catch a weasel asleep ), Cic. Mur. 11, 25 (cited ap. Quint. 8, 3, 22); and ellipt.: cornici oculum, id. Fl. 20, 46 (cf. Schol. Bobiens. V. 2, p. 242 Orell.).