from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Curse \Curse\, n. [AS. curs. See {Curse}, v. t.]
1. An invocation of, or prayer for, harm or injury;
malediction.
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Lady, you know no rules of charity,
Which renders good for bad, blessings for curses.
--Shak.
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2. Evil pronounced or invoked upon another, solemnly, or in
passion; subjection to, or sentence of, divine
condemnation.
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The priest shall write these curses in a book.
--Num. v. 23.
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Curses, like chickens, come home to roost. --Old
Proverb.
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3. The cause of great harm, evil, or misfortune; that which
brings evil or severe affliction; torment.
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The common curse of mankind, folly and ignorance.
--Shak.
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All that I eat, or drink, or shall beget,
Is propagated curse. --Milton.
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{The curse of Scotland} (Card Playing), the nine of diamonds.
{Not worth a curse}. See under {Cress}.
Syn: Malediction; imprecation; execration. See {Malediction}.
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