measles

noun6

1. •
   An acute and highly contagious disease which often afflicts children caused by the virus Measles morbillivirus and causing red rashes, fever, runny nose, coughing, and red eyes.

   • Maybe it's the 'measles. They say they're going around the neighborhood. — 1970
2. •
   Synonym of cysticercosis: A disease of livestock or meat caused by the presence of tapeworm larvae.

   • The Swyne dyed of the Measils. — 1641
3. •
   (US) A discreet assassination made to look like death from natural causes.

   • Such final solutions, sometimes referred to as termination with extreme prejudice, are known in the CIA as dying of the measles — that is, the death appears to be of natural causes. — 1977
4. •
   (no longer used) Any disease causing red rashes.
5. •
   (no longer used) Any disease causing a tree's bark to become rough and irregular.

   • Their fruit-trees are subject to two diseases, the Meazels... and lowsiness. — 1674
6. •
   (no longer used) Used as an intensifier.

   • Why the meazills, should you stand heere, with your traine... — 1614