CHARYBDIS, (anc. geog.) a whirlpool in the straits of Messina, according to the poets; near Sicily, and opposite to Scylla, a rock on the coast of Italy. Thucydides makes it to be only a strong flux and reflux in the strait, or a violent reciprocation of the tide, especially if the wind sets south. But on diving into the Charybdis, there are found vast gulps and whirl-
Chase. pools below, which produce all the commotion on the surface of the water.
Charybdis is used by Horace to denote a rapacious prostitute.