CENTAUR, in astronomy, a part or moiety of a southern constellation, in form half-man half-horse; usually joined with the wolf. The word comes from χίταυρος, formed of χίτις, pungo; and ταυρος, bull; q. d. bull-pricker. The stars of this constellation, in Ptolemy's Catalogue are 37; in Tycho's 4; and in the Britannic Catalogue, with Sharp's Appendix, 35.