Pl. euripi. [L., a. Gr. εὔρῑπ-ος, f. εὐ- (see EU-) + ῥιπή rush.]
1. In ancient Geography, the proper name of the channel between Eubœa (Negropont) and the mainland, celebrated for the violence and uncertainty of its currents. Hence gen. a strait or sea-channel, esp. one having these characteristics.
1601. Holland, Pliny, I. 82. From thence [Hellespontus] there is extended a small Euripus or arme of the sea for 86 miles.
1630. R. Johnson’s Kingd. & Commw., 643. That Euripus … by reason of his … violent course is never frozen. The other Euripus on the backside of Groneland heth three inlets…. Betweene these two raging Euripi lyeth an Iland … the habitation … of the Pigmies.
1751. Chambers, Cycl., Euripus has since become a general name for all streights where the water is in great motion or agitation.
fig. 1790. Burke, Fr. Rev., 150 (T.). The provision of this establishment … should not fluctuate with the Euripus of funds and actions.
1884. Pall Mall Gaz., 16 Feb., 2/1. Although all nations are nowadays more or less unquiet, Paris seems to lie in a very Euripus of change.
2. transf.
1766. Smollett, Trav., II. xxxii. 131 (Jod.). The euripus, or canal, made by order of Julius Cæsar, to contain crocodiles, and other aquatic animals, which were killed occasionally.
1849–50. Weale, Dict. Terms, Euripus, any artificial canal or water-course.
