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