Her"pes (?), n. [L., fr. Gr.
"e`rphs, fr. "e`rpein to creep.] (Med.)
An eruption of the skin, taking various names, according to its
form, or the part affected; especially, an eruption of vesicles in
small distinct clusters, accompanied with itching or tingling,
including shingles, ringworm, and the like; -- so called from its
tendency to creep or spread from one part of the skin to
another.