ADONIS, Adonius, in Ancient Geography, a river of Phœnicia, rising in Mount Lebanon, and falling into the sea, after a north-west course, at Byblus; famous in fable, as a beautiful shepherd youth (Virgil); son of Cynaras, king of the Cyprians, loved by Venus, slain by a boar, and turned into a river. Theocritus laments him dead in an idyllion, or rather ode, as did the women yearly, when, in flood time, the river rolled down a red earth, which tinged its waters, deemed to be his wound bleeding afresh. In the Phœnician language Adan signifies a willow, and Adon lord, with the same radical letters. Hence Irass Adonis, Salignus, and Koyis, or Kays Adonis for Koyis. Adonidis hortus, are gardens beautifully arranged, but more adapted for pleasure than profit.