what is a serpent?
serpent (plural serpents) A snake. (music) An obsolete wind instrument in the brass family, whose shape is suggestive of a snake (Wikipedia article). (figuratively) A subtle, treacherous, malicious person.
Use serpent in a sentence. 1  a snake, esp. a large or poisonous one. 2  Satan, in the form he assumed to tempt Eve: Gen. 3:1-5. 3  a sly, sneaking, treacherous person.  Music an early bass wind instrument, coiled in form, made of wood covered with leather.