|
It is not only important, but, in a degree necessary, that the people of this country, should have an American Dictionary of the English language; for, although the body of the language is the same as in England, and it is desirable to perpetuate that sameness, yet some differences must exist. Language is the expression of ideas; and if the people of one country cannot preserve an identity of ideas, they cannot retain an identity of language. |
SCUR'VY, n. [from scurf; scurvy for scurfy; Low L. scorbutus.] A disease characterized by great debility, a pale bloated face, bleeding spongy gums, large livid tumors on the body, offensive breath, aversion to exercise, oppression at the breast or difficult respiration, a smooth, dry, shining skin, &c.; a disease most incident to persons who live confined, or on salted meats without fresh vegetables in cold climates.
SCUR'VY, a.
1. Scurfy; covered or affected by scurf or scabs; scabby; diseased with scurvy.
2. Vile; mean; low; vulgar; worthless; contemptible; as a scurvy fellow.
He spoke scurvy and provoking terms. Shak.
That scurvy custom of taking tobacco. Swift.
Covered
or affected with scurf or scabs; scabby; scurfy; specifically,
diseased with the scurvy.
"Whatsoever man . . . be scurvy
or scabbed." Lev. xxi. 18, 20. 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. 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 | ||||||||