[can.ker] n [ME, fr. ONF cancre, fr. L cancer crab, cancer] (13c) 1 a (1): an erosive or spreading sore (2): an area of necrosis in a plant; also: a plant disease characterized by cankers b: any of various disorders of animals marked by chronic inflammatory changes
2. archaic: a caterpillar destructive to plants 3 chiefly dial: rust 1
4: a source of corruption or debasement
5. chiefly dial: dog rose -- can.ker.ous adj
[2]canker vb can.kered ; can.ker.ing vt (14c) 1 obs: to infect with a spreading sore
2: to corrupt the spirit of ~ vi 1: to become infested with canker
2: to become corrupted