| Scurvy | a. [ Compar. Scurvier superl. Scurviest. ] [ 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. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. Vile; mean; low; vulgar; contemptible. “A scurvy trick.” Ld. Lytton. [ 1913 Webster ] That scurvy custom of taking tobacco. Swift. [ 1913 Webster ] [ He ] spoke spoke such scurvy and provoking terms. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ] |
| Scurvy | n. [ Probably from the same source as scorbute, but influenced by scurf, scurfy, scurvy, adj.; cf. D. scheurbuik scurvy, G. scharbock, LL. scorbutus. Cf. Scorbute. ] (Med.) 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. [ 1913 Webster ]
Scurvy grass [ Scurvy + grass; or cf. Icel. skarfakāl 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. [ 1913 Webster ]
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