n. & v.
--n.
1. any plant disease caused by mildews, rusts, smuts, fungi, or insects.
2 any insect or parasite causing such a disease.
3 any obscure force which is harmful or destructive.
4 an unsightly or neglected urban area.
--v.tr.
1. affect with blight.
2 harm, destroy.
3 spoil.
Etymology: 17th c.: orig. unkn.