SCURVIES
Noun
scurvies
plural of scurvy
Anagrams
• cursives
Source: Wiktionary
SCURVY
Scur"vy, a. [Compar. Scurvier; superl. Scurviest.] Etym: [From Scurf;
cf. Scurvy, n.]
1. Covered or affected with scurf or scabs; scabby; scurfy;
specifically, diseased with the scurvy. "Whatsoever man . . . be
scurvy or scabbed." lev. xxi. 18, 20.
2. Vile; mean; low; vulgar; contemptible. "A scurvy trick." Ld.
Lytton.
That scurvy custom of taking tobacco. Swift.
[He] spoke spoke such scurvy and provoking terms. Shak.
Scur"vy, n. Etym: [Probably from the same source as scirbute, but
influenced by scurf, scurfy, scurvy, adj.; cf. D. scheurbuik scurvy,
G. scharbock, LL. scorbutus. Cf. Scorbute.] (Med.)
Definition: A disease characterized by livid spots, especially about the
thighs and legs, due to extravasation of blood, and by spongy gums,
and bleeding from almost all the mucous membranes. It is accompanied
by paleness, languor, depression, and general debility. It is
occasioned by confinement, innutritious food, and hard labor, but
especially by lack of fresh vegetable food, or confinement for a long
time to a limited range of food, which is incapable of repairing the
waste of the system. It was formerly prevalent among sailors and
soldiers. Scurvy grass Etym: [Scurvy + grass; or cf. Icel. skarfakal
scurvy grass.] (Bot.) A kind of cress (Cochlearia officinalis)
growing along the seacoast of Northern Europe and in arctic regions.
It is a remedy for the scurvy, and has proved a valuable food to
arctic explorers. The name is given also to other allied species of
plants.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition