Pes·ti·lence n.
 1. Specifically, the disease known as the plague; hence, any contagious or infectious epidemic disease that is virulent and devastating.
    The pestilence that walketh in darkness.   --Ps. xci. 6.
 2. Fig.: That which is pestilent, noxious, or pernicious to the moral character of great numbers.
    I'll pour this pestilence into his ear.   --Shak.
 Pestilence weed Bot., the butterbur coltsfoot (Petasites vulgaris), so called because formerly considered a remedy for the plague.

 ◄ ►


 But·ter·bur n. Bot. A broad-leaved plant (Petasites vulgaris) of the Composite family, said to have been used in England for wrapping up pats of butter.

 ◄ ►


 Colts·foot n. Bot. A perennial herb (Tussilago Farfara), whose leaves and rootstock are sometimes employed in medicine.
 Butterbur coltsfoot Bot., a European plant (Petasites vulgaris).

 ◄ ►


 Petasites vulgaris
      n : small Eurasian herb having broad leaves and lilac-pink
          rayless flowers; found in moist areas [syn: butterbur,
          bog rhubarb, Petasites hybridus]