Definition of "valetudinarian"
valetudinarian
adjective
comparative more valetudinarian, superlative most valetudinarian
Sickly, infirm, of ailing health
Quotations
Mr. Granard became a valetudinarian; he was always applying to some physician or another, perhaps a little to their bewilderment, for no disease was apparent: they knew not that the improvident father feared to die, for the sake of five destitute orphans.
1838 (date written), L[etitia] E[lizabeth] L[andon], chapter I, in Lady Anne Granard; or, Keeping up Appearances. […], volume I, London: Henry Colburn, […], published 1842, page 13
noun
plural valetudinarians
A person in poor health or sickly, especially one who is constantly obsessed with their state of health
Quotations
The evil of the actual disparity in their ages (and Mr. Woodhouse had not married early) was much increased by his constitution and habits; for having been a valetudinarian all his life, without activity of mind or body, he was a much older man in ways than in years; and though everywhere beloved for the friendliness of his heart and his amiable temper, his talents could not have recommended him at any time.
1815 December (indicated as 1816), [Jane Austen], chapter 1, in Emma: […], volume I, London: […] [Charles Roworth and James Moyes] for John Murray
The cuisine, of course, would not be such as would raise water bubbles in the mouth of a valetudinarian; the carnivorous propensity will mostly be gratified by steak which, when cut, will resemble the Mudhook Yacht Club burgee of rouge et noir; and savory soups and luscious salmon will be luxuries only obtainable in "cannister" form.
1884, Dixon Kemp, A Manual of Yacht and Boat Sailing, 4th edition