satyr

/ˈseɪɾər/

/ˈseɪtə/

Other forms: satyrs

In classical mythology, satyrs were companions to Pan, a fertility god, and Dionysus, the god of wine and ecstasy. As you might guess, satyrs were not known for their mild-mannered ways: Like their patrons, they were excessively fond of women, drink, and song.

In Greek art, the satyr was depicted as a man with the ears and tail of a horse. Roman artists emphasized this creature's relationship to the goat-god Pan by giving the satyr a goat's ears, horns, and haunches. In both cases, the satyr's animal aspect symbolized his immoderate appetites. This noun can also be used metaphorically for a man whose sexual desire is stronger than his sense of decency.

Definitions of satyr

1. noun

   one of a class of woodland deities; attendant on Bacchus; identified with Roman fauns
   synonyms: forest god

   examples:

   Silenus

   the chief satyr in the service of Bacchus; father of Dionysus; usually depicted as drunk and jolly and riding a donkey

   type of:

   Greek deity

   a deity worshipped by the ancient Greeks
2. noun

   man with strong sexual desires
   synonyms: lech, lecher, letch

   type of:

   degenerate, deviant, deviate, pervert

   a person whose behavior deviates from what is acceptable especially in sexual behavior