I. ˈskər-vē noun
Etymology: scurvy (II)
Date: circa 1565
: a disease caused by a lack of vitamin C and characterized by spongy gums, loosening of the teeth, and a bleeding into the skin and mucous membranes
II. adjective
Etymology: scurf
Date: 1579
: arousing disgust or scorn : contemptible , despicable
a scurvy trick
Synonyms: see contemptible
• scur·vi·ly -və-lē adverb
• scur·vi·ness -vē-nəs noun