n., v., & int.
--n.
1. a deadly contagious disease spreading rapidly over a wide area.
2 (foll. by of) an unusual infestation of a pest etc. (a plague of frogs).
3 a great trouble. b an affliction, esp. as regarded as divine punishment.
4 colloq. a nuisance.
--v.tr. (plagues, plagued, plaguing)
1. affect with plague.
2 colloq. pester or harass continually.
--int. joc. or archaic a curse etc. (a plague on it!).
Derivatives:
plaguesome adj.
Etymology: ME f. L plaga stroke, wound prob. f. Gk plaga, plege