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

Consequently, when Nero declared to the alarmed guests that her brother was habitually afflicted with the falling sickness, she disguised her sisterly grief and composedly retained her place at the banquet.

From Roman Women by Brittain, Alfred

Now there's that falling sickness, as they call it.

From A Little Girl in Old Salem by Douglas, Amanda Minnie

Lilly speaks highly of his sanctity of life and knowledge of medicine, and avers that he cured the falling sickness by constellated rings, and other diseases by amulets.

From Witch, Warlock, and Magician Historical Sketches of Magic and Witchcraft in England and Scotland by Adams, W. H. Davenport (William Henry Davenport)

But when shaking him and roaring at him failed to rouse him, I knew well it was the falling sickness.

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