daystar

English

Etymology

From Middle English daysterre, from Old English dæġsteorra, equivalent to day +‎ star. Cognate with Scots daystern (“morningstar; daystar”).

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /ˈdeɪstɑː/
• (US) IPA^(key): /ˈdeɪstɑɹ/
• Rhymes: -eɪstɑː(ɹ)

Noun

daystar (plural daystars)

1. The morning star; the planet Venus.
   • 1809, Joel Barlow, The Columbiad, book VI, l. 245:

     Here dawn'd the daystar of Hesperia's fame, / Here herald glory first emblazed her name;

   • 1865, Common English Version of the Bible, 2 Peter 1:19:

     And we have more sure the prophetic word; to which ye do well that ye take heed, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the daystar arise in your hearts;

2. (poetic) The Sun.

   I only go outdoors at night, away from the daystar's burning glare.

Usage notes

The word used in the Bible (2 Peter) is the Ancient Greek φωσφόρος (phōsphóros) ‘phosphoros’, the ancient name for the planet Venus. Literally, "light-bringer". It is interpreted by some Christians as allegory for Jesus Christ; see for example Daystar University.