dandy fever

noun

, Pathology.

1. (in the West Indies) dengue.

Word History and Origins

Origin of dandy fever¹

First recorded in 1820–30; probably a West Indian Creole folk etymology of dengue ( def )

Example Sentences

The year 1828 will be remembered by many Antiguans, as that in which the “Dandy Fever” prevailed.

From Project Gutenberg

The affliction is sometimes called "dandy fever"�for the peculiar mincing gait of those whose joints have been affected.

From Time Magazine Archive

Break-bone Fever, Dandy Fever.—This is an acute infectious disease characterized by pains in the joints and muscles, fever, an initial reddish swollen eruption and a terminal eruption of variable type.

From Project Gutenberg