I.a plague, pestilence.
I. Lit., Carm. Fratr. Arv.: “dira lues quondam Latias vitiaverat auras,” Ov. M. 15, 626: “lues et pestifer annus,” Verg. A. 3, 139; Mart. 1, 79, 2; Luc. 2, 199; Licin. Macer. ap. Non. 52, 10.—
II. Transf.
A. Any spreading evil, common calamity or misfortune; of war: “immensa belli lues,” Tac. H. 3, 15; “of an earthquake,” id. A. 2, 47; “of a tempest,” Sen. Hippol. 1117.—
B. As a term of abuse, of whatever has a blighting influence, a plague, pest, Cic. Harusp. Resp. 12: “saeva Thebarum lues,” i. e. the Sphinx, Sen. Phoen. 131: “illa horrida lues,” of Hannibal, Sil. 10, 603: “dira illa lues,” id. 16, 622: “pellere saevam Quondam fata luem dederunt Aquilone creatis,” i. e. the Harpies, Val. Fl. 4, 431. —
C. Decay, corruption: “morum,” Plin. 29, 1, 8, § 27.
