Cape Horn fever

noun

Nautical Slang.

1. illness feigned by malingerers.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Cape Horn fever¹

First recorded in 1840–50

Example Sentences

‘It's awfully coincidental Jane is sick the same time that big report is due. Must be Cape Horn Fever.’

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What sailors call the "Cape Horn fever," alarmingly prevailed; though it disappeared altogether when we got into the weather, which, as with many other invalids, was solely to be imputed to the wonder-working effects of an entire change of climate.

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