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Webster 1828 Edition

Pertilence

PERT'ILENCE

,

Noun.

[L. pestilentia, from pestilens; pestis,plague.]

1.

Plague, appropriately so called; but in a general sense, any contagious or infectious disease that is epidemic and mortal.

2.

Corruption or moral disease destructive to happiness.

Profligate habits carry pestilence into the bosom of domestic society.