Punic noun & adjective. ['pju:nɪk] LME.
[Latin Punicus earlier Poenicus adjective, from Poenus from Greek Phoinix Phoenician, Carthaginian: see -IC.]
A. noun.
1. = Punic apple below. rare. Only in LME.

2. A native or inhabitant of ancient Carthage in N. Africa, a Carthaginian. Only in 17.

3. The Semitic language of ancient Carthage, related to Phoenician. L17.
b. adjective.
1. = PUNICEOUS. E16-E17.

2. Of or pertaining to Carthage or its language; Carthaginian. M16.
b. Having the character attributed by the Romans to the Carthaginians; treacherous, perfidious. E17.
Special collocations: Punic apple a pomegranate. Punic faith treachery. Punic War any of a series of three wars between the Romans and Carthaginians, 264-146 BC.

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