blue devils

plural noun

1. low spirits; depression.
2. delirium tremens.

blue devils

plural noun

1. a fit of depression or melancholy
2. an attack of delirium tremens

Word History and Origins

Origin of blue devils¹

First recorded in 1780–90

Example Sentences

Duke is always a “contender,” but these Blue Devils are almost universally deemed to be especially vulnerable.

From The Daily Beast

There is no prophet but the melancholy Jacques, and the blue devils dance on all our literary wires.

From Project Gutenberg

The dejection into which his "blue devils" had cast him was as nothing to the remorse that overwhelmed him now.

From Project Gutenberg

And yet it has not the blue devils, but the blue angels in it, in the azure tint of its waters.

From Project Gutenberg

You see the blue devils have the upper hand of me tonight, Myra.

From Project Gutenberg

The hip or hyp, the vapours, depression of spirits, blue devils.

From Project Gutenberg