chilblain

Definition

An itchy purple red inflammation of the skin, especially of the hands, feet and ears, occurring when capillaries below the skin are damaged by exposure to cold weather (but do not freeze, which would lead to frostbite instead).

Etymology

From chill + blain, literally “cold sore”.

Example Sentences

• "Faith and those chilblanes are a foul trouble, Mistresse Merie-thought when your youth comes home, let him rub all the soles of his feete, and the heeles, and his ancles, with a mouse skinne, or if none of your people can catch a mouse, when hee goes to bed, let him rowle his feete in the warme embers, and I warrant you hee shall be well, and you may make him put his fingers between his toes & smell to them, it's very soueraigne for his head if he be costiue."
• "Mrs. Goddard’s school was in high repute—and very deservedly; for Highbury was reckoned a particularly healthy spot: she had an ample house and garden, gave the children plenty of wholesome food, let them run about a great deal in the summer, and in winter dressed their chilblains with her own hands."
• "Our clothing was insufficient to protect us from the severe cold: we had no boots, the snow got into our shoes and melted there; our ungloved hands became numbed and covered with chilblains, as were our feet[…]"