SG Heritage Dictionary

Anaconda [Noun] Webster's Dictionary 1828

A name given in Ceylon to a large snake, a species of Boa, which is said to devour travelers. Its flesh is excellent food.

Anaconda [Noun] Webster's Dictionary 1913

A large South American snake of the Boa family (Eunectes murinus), which lives near rivers, and preys on birds and small mammals. The name is also applied to a similar large serpent (Python tigris) of Ceylon.

Anaconda Encyclopedia Britannica

ANACONDA, a gigantic snake of South America, sometimes over 30 feet in length, called the water-serpent, from frequenting swamps and rivers, and preying on water animals. Its colour is a rich brown, with bright golden rings on each side, and two rows of large black spots along the back. The natives kill it for an oil they obtain from its carcase. It is not venomous, and is said to be harmless.

9th ed. Encyclopædia Britannica, vol. 1, p. 788
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