Zo"di*ac (?), n. [F. zodiaque (cf. It. zodiaco), fr. L. zodiacus, Gr. (sc. ), fr. , dim. of an animal, akin to living, to live.]
1. Astron. (a)
An imaginary belt in the heavens, 16° or 18° broad, in the middle of which is the ecliptic, or sun's path. It comprises the twelve constellations, which one constituted, and from which were named, the twelve signs of the zodiac.
(b)
A figure representing the signs, symbols, and constellations of the zodiac.
2.
A girdle; a belt.
[Poetic & R.]
By his side,
As in a glistering zodiac, hung the sword.
Milton.
© Webster 1913.