In*fer"nal (?), a. [F. infernal,
L. infernalis, fr. infernus that which lies beneath,
the lower. See Inferior.]
1. Of or pertaining to or suitable for the
lower regions, inhabited, according to the ancients, by the dead;
pertaining to Pluto's realm of the dead, the Tartarus of the
ancients.
The Elysian fields, the infernal
monarchy.
Garth.
2. Of or pertaining to, resembling, or
inhabiting, hell; suitable for hell, or to the character of the
inhabitants of hell; hellish; diabolical; as, infernal
spirits, or conduct.
The instruments or abettors in such infernal
dealings.
Addison.
Infernal machine, a machine or apparatus
maliciously designed to explode, and destroy life or property. -
- Infernal stone (lapis infernalis),
lunar caustic; formerly so called. The name was also applied to
caustic potash.
Syn. -- Tartarean; Stygian; hellish; devilish; diabolical;
satanic; fiendish; malicious.
In*fer"nal, n. An inhabitant of
the infernal regions; also, the place itself. [Obs.]
Drayton.
