falling sickness

American  

noun

1. epilepsy.

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falling sickness British  

noun

1. a former name (nontechnical) for epilepsy

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Etymology

Origin of falling sickness

First recorded in 1520–30

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

falling sickness

Seizures before the spinning potter's wheel were taken as a sign of "the falling sickness," the Roman name for epilepsy.

From Time Magazine Archive

The roots, if eaten, are good for those that be liver sick; and they ease cramps, convulsions, and the falling sickness.

From Herbal Simples Approved for Modern Uses of Cure by Fernie, William Thomas

Any doctor at all should be able, and well able, to cure the falling sickness.

From The Unicorn from the Stars and Other Plays by Gregory, Lady

"Il est tombé du haut mal"—"He died of the falling sickness."

From The Martian by Du Maurier, George

"The Thyme of Candy, Musk Thyme, or Garden Thyme is good against the sciatica, and to be given to those that have the falling sickness, to smell to."

From Herbal Simples Approved for Modern Uses of Cure by Fernie, William Thomas