n. & v.
n. 1 a an abnormally high body temperature, often with delirium etc. b a disease characterized by this (scarlet fever; typhoid fever). 2 nervous excitement; agitation.
v.tr. (esp. as fevered adj.) affect with fever or excitement. fever pitch a state of extreme excitement.
[ OE fefor & AF fevre, OF fievre f. L febris ]