01 n. Specifically, the disease known as the plague; hence, any contagious or infectious epidemic disease that is virulent and devastating.
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1.
Specifically, the disease known as the plague; hence, any contagious or infectious epidemic disease that is virulent and devastating.“The pestilence that walketh in darkness.” — Ps. xci. 6.
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2.
Fig.: That which is pestilent, noxious, or pernicious to the moral character of great numbers.“I'll pour this pestilence into his ear.” — Shak.
Phrases & compounds
Pestilence weed —
the butterbur coltsfoot (Petasites vulgaris), so called because formerly considered a remedy for the plague.