Dictionary.net

A state of permanent rigidity and progressive atrophy of the flexor muscles, which prevents the motions of extension beyond a certain limit. The affected muscles form hard cords beneath the skin. On dissection, they are found converted into tendinous fibres, the fleshy fibres having almost disappeared, when the disease has been of any duration. It succeeds, frequently, other diseases, particularly rheumatis, neuralgia, convulsions, syphilis, colica pictonum, &c. The warm bath, vapour bath, or thermal waters, oleaginous embrocations, mechanical extension of the limbs, &c., are the chief means of treatment.