Unicorn
Archimandrite Nikifor’s Biblical Encyclopedia
(Job 39:9; Num. 24:8) — the animal denoted by this word was evidently distinguished by its ferocity and strength (Num. 23:22), swiftness and agility (Ps. 29:6 [28:6]), wildness (Job 39:9), and a prominent black horn upon its forehead (Ps. 92:11 [91:11]). The unicorn was well known to the writers of the sacred books, as is evident from the frequent references to it in Holy Scripture. In Hebrew the unicorn is called reem. According to the testimony of Pliny, the unicorn was smaller than the elephant in size; in shape, color, and figure it resembled an ox, differing from it, however, in having a prominent horn on its nose.
Its strength and swiftness of movement were very great, and it spared neither man nor beast that happened to cross its path. The image of the unicorn has often been, and still is, found on royal coats of arms.