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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 (gcide)

viper \vi"per\ (v[imac]"p[~e]r), n. [F. vip[`e]re, L. vipera,
probably contr. fr. vivipera; vivus alive parere to bring
forth, because it was believed to be the only serpent that
brings forth living young. Cf. {Quick}, a., {Parent},
{Viviparous}, {Wivern}, {Weever}.]
[1913 Webster]
1. (Zool.) Any one of numerous species of Old World venomous
snakes belonging to {Vipera}, {Clotho}, {Daboia}, and
other genera of the family {Viperidae}.
[1913 Webster]

There came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on
his hand. --Acts xxviii.
3.
[1913 Webster]

Note: Among the best-known species are the European adder
({Pelias berus}), the European asp ({Vipera aspis}),
the African horned viper ({Vipera cerastes}), and the
Indian viper ({Daboia Russellii}).
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2. A dangerous, treacherous, or malignant person.
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Who committed
To such a viper his most sacred trust
Of secrecy. --Milton.
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3. Loosely, any venomous or presumed venomous snake.
[PJC]

{Horned viper}. (Zool.) See {Cerastes}.

{Red viper} (Zool.), the copperhead.

{Viper fish} (Zool.), a small, slender, phosphorescent
deep-sea fish ({Chauliodus Sloanii}). It has long ventral
and dorsal fins, a large mouth, and very long, sharp
teeth.

{Viper's bugloss} (Bot.), a rough-leaved biennial herb
({Echium vulgare}) having showy purplish blue flowers. It
is sometimes cultivated, but has become a pestilent weed
in fields from New York to Virginia. Also called {blue
weed}.

{Viper's grass} (Bot.), a perennial composite herb
({Scorzonera Hispanica}) with narrow, entire leaves, and
solitary heads of yellow flowers. The long, white,
carrot-shaped roots are used for food in Spain and some
other countries. Called also {viper grass}.
[1913 Webster]