scrofula (ˈskrɒfjʊlə
)
Definitions
noun
- pathology (no longer in technical use) tuberculosis of the lymphatic glands Also called (formerly)
the king's evil
Word Origin
C14: from Medieval Latin, from Late Latin scrōfulae swollen glands in the neck, literally: little sows (sows were thought to be particularly prone to the disease), from Latin scrōfa sowUsage examples
The only difference being that the phanatiques are not afflicted with the scrofula , only with lunacy.
, THE RIVAL QUEENS: A Countess Ashby de la Zouche Mystery (2002)As an infant he developed tubercular glands in the neck, or scrofula , caught, it was said, from his wet nurse.
, THE MEDICAL MYSTERIES E-OMNIBUS (2001)