spasmodic croup

Spasmodic \Spas"mod"ic\, a. [Gr. ?; ? a convulsion + ? likeness:
   cf. F. spasmotique.]
   1. (Med.) Of or pertaining to spasm; consisting in spasm;
      occuring in, or characterized by, spasms; as, a spasmodic
      asthma.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. Soon relaxed or exhausted; convulsive; intermittent; as,
      spasmodic zeal or industry.
      [1913 Webster]

   {Spasmodic croup} (Med.), an affection of childhood
      characterized by a stoppage of brathing developed suddenly
      and without fever, and produced by spasmodic contraction
      of the vocal cords. It is sometimes fatal. Called also
      {laryngismus stridulus}, and {childcrowing}.

   {Spasmodic stricture}, a stricture caused by muscular spasm
      without structural change. See {Organic stricture}, under
      {Organic}.
      [1913 Webster]