king's evil

noun

often capitalized K&E

: scrofula

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

See more words from the same century

Style

“King's evil.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/king%27s%20evil. Accessed 15 Dec. 2024.

Copy Citation

king's evil

noun

ˈkiŋz-ˈē-vəl, -vil

often capitalized K&E

: scrofula

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