ACRIOUS, a river of Acarnania; which rises in Mount Pindus, and, dividing Ætolia from Acarnania, falls from north to south into the Sinus Corinthicus. It was formerly called Thas from its impetuosity, and king of rivers, (Homer). The epithet Achelous is used for Aquæus, (Virgil); the ancients calling all water Achelous, especially in oaths, vows, and sacrifices, according to Ephorus: Now called Aspro Petemo. Rivers are by the ancient poets called Tauriformes.
Acheri either from the bellowing of their waters, or from
Achiar. their ploughing the earth in their course: Hercules,
restraining by dikes and mounds the inundations of the
Achelous, is said to have broken off one of his horns,
and to have brought back plenty to the country. See
the preceding article.