malady | n.; pl. Maladies [ F. maladie, fr. malade ill, sick, OF. also, malabde, fr. L. male habitus, i. e., ill-kept, not in good condition. See Malice, and Habit. ] 1. Any disease of the human body; a distemper, disorder, or indisposition, proceeding from impaired, defective, or morbid organic functions; especially, a lingering or deep-seated disorder. [ 1913 Webster ] The maladies of the body may prove medicines to the mind. Buckminster. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. A moral or mental defect or disorder. [ 1913 Webster ] Love's a malady without a cure. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ] Syn. -- Disorder; distemper; sickness; ailment; disease; illness. See Disease. [ 1913 Webster ] |