XI. MELEK TÂUS OF THE YEZIDÎS.  Melek Tâus is a term which the Tezidîs apply to Satan and to the figure of a bird.
    There are three explanations of this term; viz. that of Dr. Thomas Hyde, "Angel Peacock," see Vet. Pers. Relig. Hist. p. 518, that of Rev. H. A. Homes, late Missionary of American Board, "King Peacock," see Bibl. Repos. Apr. 1842, p. 340, and that of Rev. Dr. Justin Perkins, Missionary of American Board, "Mighty Angel," see Miss. Her., Feb. 1838, p. 53.
    Some approximation, however, may be made towards a correct explanation.  Tâus clearly denotes "peacock."  See Garzoni: Grammatica e Vocabulario della Lingua Kurda, p. 206.  We have also the testimony of Fr. Forbes, that the bronze figure of a bird is a peacock, see Journ. R.G.S. of Lond., 1839.  But it is uncertain from Garzoni, whether Melek denotes "a king," as explained by Homes, (comp. Kurd. memmleket, "a kingdom;") or "an angel," as explained by Hyde, (comp. Kurd. melaiket, "an angel.")  In neither case should Mr. Layard in the same line have rendered Melek in reference to this subject both "king," (comp. Hebr. melek, "king,") and "angel," (comp. Hebr. malâk, "angel.")  See Layard's Nineveh and its Remains, vol. I. p. 245. (Journal of the American Oriental Society, v.3, 1853)