Scur"vy, n. [Probably from the same
source as scorbute, 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. skarfakāl 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.
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.