roc

views updated Jun 27 2018

roc a mythical bird of Eastern legend, supposed to be of great size and strength; it is first referred to in Marco Polo's account of Madagascar, but in English use it is known chiefly from the Arabian Nights; in the story of Sinbad it is said to be able to lift elephants in its claws.

In the story of Sinbad, the roc's egg is said to be so large that it is fifty paces round; in extended usage, it may be taken as the type of something rare and fabulous.

The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable ELIZABETH KNOWLES

roc

views updated May 29 2018

roc gigantic bird of Eastern legend. XVI. In early use in roche, roque, ruc(h) — Sp. †rocho, Pg. roco, It. †roche, Sp., Pg., It. ruc — Arab. ruḵḵ.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology T. F. HOAD

ROC

views updated May 17 2018

ROC Finance return on capital
• Royal Observer Corps

The Oxford Dictionary of Abbreviations FRAN ALEXANDER , PETER BLAIR , JOHN DAINTITH , ALICE GRANDISON , VALERIE ILLINGWORTH , ELIZABETH MARTIN , ANNE STIBBS , JUDY PEARSALL , and SARA TULLOCH