† ˈpursick, a. and n. Obs.
[f. pursive with suffix substitution: possibly influenced by sick.]
A. adj. Of a horse: = pursive, pursy a.1 1.
| 1610 Markham Masterp. i. xlviii. 99 Of the broken winded or Pursicke Horse. Ibid. ciii. 205 Looke he be not pursicke. |
B. n. Shortness of wind in a horse; pursiness.
| 1607 Topsell Four-f. Beasts (1658) 292 If it continue, it will either grow to the Pursick, or else break his winde altogether. Ibid. 293 Of the Pursick. This is a shortness of breath, and the Horse that is so diseased is called of the Italians, Cavallo pulsivo, or Bolso. 1688 R. Holme Armoury ii. 151/2 The shortness of Breath..[of a Horse], of some termed pur-sick. |
Hence † ˈpursickness, pursiness.
| 1610 Markham Masterp. ii. clxxiii. 490 Dry figges..are good for pursicknesse, coughes, and diseases of the lungs. |