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Dictionary

Words, grammatical forms and meanings linked to the ontology.

the measles en · X

Etymology

See measles.

Meanings

  1. (alt-of, alternative) Alternative form of measles.
    alt of measles
  2. (euphemistic, obsolete) Used after interrogative pronouns as an intensifier to express anger, frustration, incredulity, or other strong emotion.
    • Why the meazills, should you stand heere, with your traine... 1614 November 10 (first performance; Gregorian calendar), Beniamin Iohnson [i.e., Ben Jonson], Bartholmew Fayre: A Comedie, […], London: […] I[ohn] B[eale] for Robert Allot, […], published 1631, →OCLC, (please specify the page):
    • What the measles do you think you're doing?

Synonyms

the dickens