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.
[ 17th c.: orig. unkn. ]