ADONIS, Adonius, in Ancient Geography, a river of Phœnicia, rising in Mount Lebanon, and falling into the sea, after a south-west course, at Byblus. When in flood, its waters exhibited a deep red tinge; hence the legend that connects the river with the wound of Adonis the minion of Venus. (Vide Lucian.)
"While smooth Adonis from his native rock,
Ran purple to the sea, suppos'd with blood
Of Thammuz yearly wounded."—MILTON.