phallus

plural phalli · plural phalluses · alternative phallos

1. A penis, especially when erect.

   The phallus had power to subdue the attacks of demons and the Evil Eye[.]

   1936, Rollo Ahmed, The Black Art, London: Long, page 159

   1 more example

   If the priests of Diana of Ephesus castrated themselves and offered their genitals on the altar, it was because the phallus was the symbol of the dying body.

   1981, William Irwin Thompson, The Time Falling Bodies Take to Light: Mythology, Sexuality and the Origins of Culture, London: Rider/Hutchinson & Co., page 129

   Synonyms: anaconda, baloney pony, bald-headed hermit, banana, bird, birdie, bobby, boonga

2. A representation of an erect penis, especially symbolising fertility or potency.

   The initiated member gave a gift of a coin for the goddess, for which he received in turn a phallus and some salt.

   1961, Harry E. Wedeck, Dictionary of Aphrodisiacs, New York: The Citadel Press, page 86

3. human sciencesThe signifier of the desire of the Other, and the signifier of jouissance.