Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Scurvy?

\Scur"vy\, 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. 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. [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.) 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} [Scurvy + grass; or cf. Icel. skarfak[=a]l 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.