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Synonyms

mulligrubs

American  
[muhl-i-gruhbz] / ˈmʌl ɪˌgrʌbz /

noun

(usually used with a plural verb)
  1. ill temper; grumpiness.

  2. colic.


Etymology

Origin of mulligrubs

First recorded in 1590–1600; earlier mulligrums, apparently alteration of megrims

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

To this class belongs mulligrubs, for which we find in the 17th century also mouldy grubs.

From The Romance of Words (4th ed.) by Weekley, Ernest

He is in great force now that he has got rid of his Grenoble mulligrubs.

From Life and Letters of Thomas Henry Huxley — Volume 2 by Huxley, Thomas Henry

Sick of the mulligrubs with eating chopped   hay: low-spirited, having an imaginary sickness.

From 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue by Grose, Francis

Idleness lies in bed sick of the mulligrubs where industry finds health and wealth.

From Brave Men and Women Their Struggles, Failures, And Triumphs by Fuller, O. E. (Osgood Eaton)

The salt water, I think, Has made me most bloodily thirsty; So bring me a flagon of drink To keep down the mulligrubs, burst ye!

From The Book of Humorous Verse by Wells, Carolyn