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usually uncountable, plural scurvies
(pathology) A disease caused by insufficient intake of vitamin C, leading to the formation of livid spots on the skin, spongy gums, loosening of the teeth and bleeding into the skin and from almost all mucous membranes. quotations
Conditions were horrendous aboard most British naval vessels at the time. Scurvy and other diseases ran rampant, killing more seamen each year than all other causes combined, including combat.
2012 March, William E. Carter, Merri Sue Carter, “The British Longitude Act Reconsidered”, in American Scientist, volume 100, number 2, page 87
comparative scurvier, superlative scurviest
Covered or affected with scurf or scabs; scabby; scurfy; specifically, diseased with the scurvy. quotations examples
whatsoever man […] be scurvy or scabbed
1611, The Holy Bible, […] (King James Version), London: […] Robert Barker, […], Leviticus 21:18-20
Contemptible, despicable, low, disgustingly mean. quotations examples
What a pied ninny's this! Thou scurvy patch!
1610–1611 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Tempest”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, [Act III, scene ii]
And among other Regulations it would be very convenient to prevent the Exceſs of Drink, with that ſcurvy Cuſtom among the Lads, and Parent of the former Vice, the taking of Tobacco, where it is not abſolutely neceſſary in Point of Health.
1709, [Jonathan Swift], A Project for the Advancement of Religion, and the Reformation of Manners. […], London: […] Benj[amin] Tooke, […], page 29