gangrenous, a.
(ˈgæŋgrɪnəs)
[f. gangrene n. + -ous. Cf. F. gangréneux (16th c.).]
1. Having the nature of gangrene, or affected with it.
| 1612 Woodall Surg. Mate Wks. (1653) 405 Such Pestilential Gangrenous spots after separate of themselves. 1732 Arbuthnot Rules of Diet 291 Eruptions on the Skin, dark, livid, lead-colored and gangrenous. 1809 Med. Jrnl. XXI. 455 The lungs were livid, with a gangrenous inflammation on their posterior part. 1865 Ruskin Sesame 7 We call it ‘mortification’, using the same term which we should apply to a gangrenous and incurable wound. |
| fig. 1855 Tait's Mag. XXII. 247 Lombardy is a gangrenous limb of Austria. 1880 Burton Reign Q. Anne III. xx. 279 As there is a gangrene of the body..so is the intellect often tainted by gangrenous spots, that [etc.]. |
2. Resembling a gangrened spot (in colour).
| 1824 Galt Rothelan I. i. iii. 25 His complexion became of a gangrenous yellow. |