Scrofulous

By Deane Barker tags: definition

Definition: morally degenerate; corrupt.

“Scrofula” is a form of tuberculosis. Presumably, this is extrapolated to mean disease in general. Also, it sounds like “scruffy,” which fits (though the two words don’t seem to have related origins).

Why I Looked It Up

A novel had a character saying:

On the way back here we stopped at a scrofulous pub and laughed and drank ourselves sick.

Links from this – The Knowledge December 27, 2021
I literally picked up this book because I’ve always been intrigued by The Knowledge, which is the test of city geography that London’s black cab drivers have to pass before they get licensed. It’s considered one of the hardest tests in the world. This book has very little to do with The Knowledge....