chilblain

American  

[chil-bleyn] / ˈtʃɪl bleɪn /

noun

Pathology.

1. an inflammation of the hands and feet caused by exposure to cold and moisture.

---

chilblain British  

/ ˈtʃɪlˌbleɪn /

noun

1. Technical name: pernio.  pathol (usually plural) an inflammation of the fingers, toes, or ears, caused by prolonged exposure to moisture and cold

---

Other Word Forms

• chilblained
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of chilblain

First recorded in 1540–50; chill + blain

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

chilblain

Should the chilblain break, dress it twice daily with a plaster of equal parts of lard and beeswax, with half the quantity in weight of oil of turpentine.

From Our Deportment Or the Manners, Conduct and Dress of the Most Refined Society by Young, John H.

From that on down to 1380 we hear or read varying and disconnected accounts of people who have been up that way, acquired a large red chilblain, made an observation, and died.

From Cordwood by Nye, Bill

He whose chilblain has not yet broken out, how can he know the pains of others? he only knows the degree of this pain who has felt the pangs of love!

From Bagh O Bahar, or Tales of the Four Darweshes by Forbes, Duncan

The moment she complains of headache, or toothache, or a chilblain on the heel, the angel game is off, and she's got to try and hold her own as a simple mortal.

From The Gay Lord Quex A Comedy in Four Acts by Pinero, Arthur Wing, Sir

You don't hardly hear of chilblain feet now, but then most every child you saw had cracked heels.

From Slave Narratives: a Folk History of Slavery in the United States From Interviews with Former Slaves Georgia Narratives, Part 4 by Work Projects Administration