from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Pellagra \Pel"la*gra\ (p[e^]l"l[.a]*gr[.a]), n. [It. pelle skin
+ agro rough.] (Med.)
An affection of the skin, characterized by redness,
especially in exposed areas, scaling and shedding of the
skin, and accompanied with severe gastrointestinal
disturbance and nervous symptoms. It is due to a deficiency
of niacin (vitamin B3; nicotinic acid) and protein in the
diet, and may be caused by malnutrition, or, in some cases,
by a heavy dependence on maize for food. It was at one time
(ca. 1890) endemic in Northern Italy, and was called {Alpine
scurvy}. It may also be caused by alcoholism or diease
causing an impairment of nutrition. It is also called {St.
Ignatius's itch}, {maidism}, {mal de la rosa}, {mal rosso},
and {psychoneurosis maidica}. A variety of pellagra seen in
children is called {infantile pellagra} or {kwashiorkor}.
--[Stedman]
[1913 Webster +PJC]