Bane \Bane\ (b[=a]n), n. [OE. bane destruction, AS. bana
murderer; akin to Icel. bani death, murderer, OHG. bana
murder, bano murderer, Goth. banja stroke, wound, Gr. foney`s
murderer, fo`nos murder, OIr. bath death, benim I strike.
[root]31.]
1. That which destroys life, esp. poison of a deadly quality.
[Obs. except in combination, as in ratsbane, henbane,
etc.]
2. Destruction; death. [Obs.]
The cup of deception spiced and tempered to their
bane. --Milton.
3. Any cause of ruin, or lasting injury; harm; woe.
Money, thou bane of bliss, and source of woe.
--Herbert.
4. A disease in sheep, commonly termed the rot.
Syn: Poison; ruin; destruction; injury; pest.
Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
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