n., v., & int.
n. 1 a deadly contagious disease spreading rapidly over a wide area. 2 (foll. by of) an unusual infestation of a pest etc. (a plague of frogs). 3 a great trouble. b an affliction, esp. as regarded as divine punishment. 4 colloq. a nuisance.
v.tr. (plagues, plagued, plaguing) 1 affect with plague. 2 colloq. pester or harass continually.
int. joc. or archaic a curse etc. (a plague on it!). plaguesome adj.
[ ME f. L plaga stroke, wound prob. f. Gk plaga, plege ]