king's evil

noun

1. scrofula: so called because it was supposed to be curable by the touch of the reigning sovereign.

king's evil

noun

1. the king's evil
   pathol a former name for scrofula

Word History and Origins

Origin of king's evil¹

1350–1400; Middle English kynges evel

Word History and Origins

Origin of king's evil¹

C14: from the belief that the king's touch would heal scrofula

Example Sentences

In 1662 the idea seized him that he had the power of healing the kings-evil.

From Project Gutenberg

She has the kings evil, rejoined Eyrymount, whose objection to this match was apparent.

From Project Gutenberg

The old ignorant kings and queens were said to remove the scrofula (kings evil) by the touch.

From Project Gutenberg