Edit page | Page history | Printable version

Malady

Origin: f. Maladie, fr. Malade ill, sick, OF. Also, malabde, fr. L. Male habitus, i. E, ill-kept, not in good condition. See malice, and habit.

1. Any disease of the human body; a distemper, disorder, or indisposition, proceeding from impaired, defective, or morbid organic functions; especially, a lingering or deep-seated disorder. The maladies of the body may prove medicines to the mind. (Buckminster)

2. A moral or mental defect or disorder. Love's a malady without a cure. (Dryden)

Synonym: disorder, distemper, sickness, ailment, disease, illness. See disease.