white plague

noun

1. tuberculosis, especially pulmonary tuberculosis.

white plague

noun

1. informal.
   tuberculosis of the lungs

Word History and Origins

Origin of white plague¹

An Americanism dating back to 1865–70

Example Sentences

So we have the "white plague" of tuberculosis, and so we have innumerable minor plagues of coughs and colds and sore throats.

From Project Gutenberg

That was the time when so many were dying of tuberculosis that it was called the great white plague.

From Project Gutenberg

And so we men of today when we go to perform our evening devotions to the ladies have upon us the same old white plague.

From Project Gutenberg

On her frail beauty was stamped the sign of the white plague.

From Project Gutenberg

The White Plague had come to the home in Edinburgh and taken away his two brothers.

From Project Gutenberg