Definition of: Damocles

(dam′ə·klēz)
In Greek legend, a courtier who, having overpraised the happiness of the tyrant Dionysius the Elder, was placed by him at a banquet, with a sword suspended over his head by a single hair to show him the perilous nature of that happiness.
—sword of Damocles The sword hung over Damocles' head; hence, any impending danger or calamity.
—Dam·o·cle·an (dam′ə·klē′ən) adjective