vīpĕra, ae, f. [contr. from vivipera, from vivus-pario, that brings forth living young], a viper.
I Lit.: Coluber berus, Linn.; Plin. 10, 62, 82, § 169.—
II Transf.
A Adder , snake , serpent , in gen., Prop. 4 (5), 7, 53; Verg. G. 3, 417; Hor. C. 3, 4, 17; id. Epod. 5, 15; 16, 52; Ov. M. 10, 24; id. R. Am. 421; id. A. A. 2, 376 al.—Prov.: in sinu viperam habere, Cic. Har. Resp. 24, 50: viperam nutricare sub alā, to nourish a viper in one's bosom , Petr. 77: vipera est in vepreculā, Pomp. ap. Non. p. 231, 13; v. veprecula.—
B Viper! serpent! as a term of reproach for a dangerous person: saevissima, Juv. 6, 641: tandem, vipera, sibilare desiste, Flor. 4, 12, 37; cf. Don. Ter. Eun. 824.