I.a cryptogamic species of vegetation growing on trees, lichen.
I. Lit., Plin. 26, 4, 10, § 21.—
II. Transf., an eruption on the skin of men and beasts, a tetter, ringworm: “in fricando lichene,” Plin. 23, 7, 63, § 118: “sordidi lichenes,” Mart. 11, 98, 5.—Of beasts, Plin. 30, 10, 27, § 88.—
B. Esp., a callous excrescence upon the leg of a horse, used as a medicine: “lichene equi cum oleo infuso per aurem,” Plin. 28, 11, 49, § 180; 28, 17, 67, § 230 saep.