mōnstrum ī, n 1 MAN-, a divine omen, supernatural appearance, wonder, miracle, portent. quoddam novum: obicitur magno futurum Augurio monstrum, V.: ingentibus excita monstris (regina), illusions, V.: mera monstra nuntiarat, nothing but wonders.
—An abnormal shape, unnatural growth, monster, monstrosity: monstrum hominis, T.: deūm monstra (the gods of Egypt), V.: succinctam latrantibus inguina monstris (i. e. canibus), V.: omnia Monstra ferre, O.
—Fig., a repulsive character, monster, abomination: nulla iam pernicies a monstro illo atque prodigio comparabitur: fatale (Cleopatra), H.
—A horrible sight, pernicious thing, object of dread, awful deed: mene huic confidere monstro? (i. e. mari), V.: non mihi furtum, sed monstrum ac prodigium videbatur: veteris monstrum culpae, O.