Fe"ver (?), n. [OE. fever,
fefer, AS. fefer, fefor, L. febris: cf.
F. fièvre. Cf. Febrile.] 1.
(Med.) A diseased state of the system, marked by
increased heat, acceleration of the pulse, and a general derangement
of the functions, including usually, thirst and loss of appetite.
Many diseases, of which fever is the most prominent symptom, are
denominated fevers; as, typhoid fever; yellow
fever.
☞ Remitting fevers subside or abate at intervals;
intermitting fevers intermit or entirely cease at intervals;
continued or continual fevers neither remit nor
intermit.
2. Excessive excitement of the passions in
consequence of strong emotion; a condition of great excitement; as,
this quarrel has set my blood in a fever.
An envious fever
Of pale and bloodless emulation.
Shak.
After life's fitful fever he sleeps
well.
Shak.
Brain fever, Continued fever,
etc. See under Brain, Continued, etc. --
Fever and ague, a form of fever recurring in
paroxysms which are preceded by chills. It is of malarial
origin. -- Fever blister (Med.), a
blister or vesicle often found about the mouth in febrile states; a
variety of herpes. -- Fever bush
(Bot.), the wild allspice or spice bush. See
Spicewood. -- Fever powder. Same as
Jame's powder. -- Fever root
(Bot.), an American herb of the genus Triosteum
(T. perfoliatum); -- called also feverwort amd horse
gentian. -- Fever sore, a carious
ulcer or necrosis. Miner.
Fe"ver, v. t. [imp. & p.
p. Fevered (?); p. pr. & vb. n.
Fevering.] To put into a fever; to affect with fever; as,
a fevered lip. [R.]
The white hand of a lady fever
thee.
Shak.