Infection, 1) the state of being tainted with disease: “if that flower with base i. meet,” Sonn. 94, 11. “I will drink potions of eisel 'gainst my strong i.” 111, 10. “he hath ta'en the i.” Ado II, 3, 126 and Tw. III, 4, 142. “to the i. of my brains,” Wint. I, 2, 145. Cor. III, 1, 310. Rom. I, 2, 50. Lr. IV, 6, 237. Cymb. III, 2, 3.
2) a contagious disease, a plague: “their verdure still endure, to drive i. from the dangerous year,” Ven. 508 (certain herbs being supposed to keep off the plague). “advice is sporting, while i. breeds,” Lucr. 907. “wherefore with i. should he live,” Sonn. 67, 1. “all the --s that the sun sucks up,” Tp. II, 2, 1. Wint. I, 2, 423. V, 1, 169. John V, 2, 20. R2 II, 1, 44. H6B III, 2, 287. R3 I, 2, 78 (parodying v. 75). Rom. V, 2, 16. Tim. V, 1, 224.
Confounded with affection by Mrs Quickly and old Gobbo: Wiv. II, 2, 120. Merch. II, 2, 133.