king's evil

noun

often capitalized K&E
: scrofula

Word History

Etymology

from the former belief that it could be healed by a king's touch

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of king's evil was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near king's evil

King's evidence

king's evil

king's-fern

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“King's evil.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/king%27s%20evil. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

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Medical Definition

king's evil

noun
ˈkiŋz-ˈē-vəl, -vil How to pronounce king's evil (audio)
often capitalized K&E
: scrofula

More from Merriam-Webster on king's evil

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about king's evil

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