liver-rot

[ liv-er-rot ]

noun

, Veterinary Pathology.

1. a disease chiefly of sheep and cattle, characterized by sluggishness, weight loss, and local damage to the liver, caused by infection from the liver fluke.

Word History and Origins

Origin of liver-rot¹

First recorded in 1830–40

Example Sentences

Mould and ergot were prevalent among plants, and flukes producing liver-rot among live stock, especially sheep.

From Project Gutenberg