wheal

Definition

A small raised swelling on the skin, often itchy, caused by a blow from a whip or an insect bite etc.

Etymology

From Middle English whele (“boil”), from Old English *hwele (“boil”); related to Old English hwelian (“to fester, ulcerate”). Compare also Old English hwelca, hwylca (“an inflamed swelling, pustule”).

Example Sentences

• "A Perſon of Honour, of a full Body abounding with ſharp Humours, was ſeized with an Herpes on his right Leg. […] [I]t inflamed and ſwelled very much, many Wheals aroſe, and fretted one into another, with great Excoriation."
• "So they gripped again until red wheals rose on their backs and shoulders by reason of the grievous clasping of their arms."