Spleen \Spleen\, n. [L. splen, Gr. ???? the milt or spleen,
affection of the spleen; cf. L. lien, plihan, pl[=i]han.]
1. (Anat.) A peculiar glandlike but ductless organ found near
the stomach or intestine of most vertebrates and connected
with the vascular system; the milt. Its exact function in
not known.
2. Anger; latent spite; ill humor; malice; as, to vent one's
spleen.
In noble minds some dregs remain, Not yet purged
off, of spleen and sour disdain. --Pope.
3. A fit of anger; choler. --Shak.
4. A sudden motion or action; a fit; a freak; a whim. [Obs.
or R.]
A thousand spleens bear her a thousand ways. --Shak.
5. Melancholy; hypochondriacal affections.
Bodies changed to various forms by spleen. --Pope.
There is a luxury in self-dispraise: And inward
self-disparagement affords To meditative spleen a
grateful feast. --Wordsworth.
6. A fit of immoderate laughter or merriment. [Obs.]
Thy silly thought enforces my spleen. --Shak.
Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
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