scrofula
    n 1: a form of tuberculosis characterized by swellings of the
         lymphatic glands [syn: scrofula, struma, king's evil]

Scrofula \Scrof"u*la\, n. [L. scrofulae, fr. scrofa a breeding
   sow, because swine were supposed to be subject to such a
   complaint, or by a fanciful comparison of the glandular
   swellings to little pigs; perhaps akin to Gr. ? an old sow:
   cf. F. scrofules. Cf. Scroyle.] (Med.)
   A constitutional disease, generally hereditary, especially
   manifested by chronic enlargement and cheesy degeneration of
   the lymphatic glands, particularly those of the neck, and
   marked by a tendency to the development of chronic
   intractable inflammations of the skin, mucous membrane,
   bones, joints, and other parts, and by a diminution in the
   power of resistance to disease or injury and the capacity for
   recovery. Scrofula is now generally held to be tuberculous in
   character, and may develop into general or local tuberculosis
   (consumption).
   [1913 Webster]