Palsy

A shorter form of “paralysis.” Many persons thus afflicted were cured by our Lord (Matt. 4:24; 8:5-13; 9:2-7; Mark 2:3-11; Luke 7:2-10; John 5:5-7) and the apostles (Acts 8:7; 9:33, 34).

(contracted from paralysis). The loss of sensation or the power of motion, or both, in any part of the body. The infirmities included under this name in the New Testament were various:—

PAL'SY (contr. from paralysis), a disease which deprives the part affected of sensation or the power of motion, or of both, according as the sensory or the motor nerves, or both, are attacked. As the term is used in the N.T. it imports apoplexy, or paralysis of the whole system; paralysis of one side; a paralysis affecting the whole body below the neck; and a paralysis caused by a contraction of the muscles, so that the limbs can be neither drawn up nor extended, and soon become emaciated and dried up. 1 Kgs 13:4-6; Matt 4:24; Matt 12:10-13; Luke 6:6; John 5:5-7. A fearful form of this disease is known in Eastern countries. The limbs remain immovably fixed in the position in which they were at the time of the attack, and the suffering is so exquisitely severe that death is often occasioned in a few days. Matt 8:6.

PAL'SY (contr. from paralysis), a disease which deprives the part affected of sensation or the power of motion, or of both, according as the sensory or the motor nerves, or both, are attacked. As the term is used in the N.T. it imports apoplexy, or paralysis of the whole system; paralysis of one side; a paralysis affecting the whole body below the neck; and a paralysis caused by a contraction of the muscles, so that the limbs can be neither drawn up nor extended, and soon become emaciated and dried up. 1 Kgs 13:4-6; Matt 4:24; Matt 12:10-13; Luke 6:6; John 5:5-7. A fearful form of this disease is known in Eastern countries. The limbs remain immovably fixed in the position in which they were at the time of the attack, and the suffering is so exquisitely severe that death is often occasioned in a few days. Matt 8:6.

Part of speech: noun (n.)

Paralysis, complete or partial. See Paralysis. "One sick of the palsy." Mark ii. 3. Bell's palsy, paralysis of the facial nerve, producing distortion of one side of the face; -- so called from Sir Charles Bell, an English surgeon who described it. -- Scrivener's palsy. See Writer's cramp, under Writer. -- Shaking palsy, paralysis agitans, a disease usually occurring in old people, characterized by muscular tremors and a peculiar shaking and tottering gait.

Part of speech: verb (v.)

To affect with palsy, or as with palsy; to deprive of action or energy; to paralyze.