Emily Dickinson Lexicon

HER'PES, n. [Gr. ερπης, from ερπω, to creep.]

Tetters; an eruption of the skin; erysipelas; ringworm, &c. This disease takes various names according to its form or the part affected. Coxe. Encyc. A term applied to several cutaneous eruptions from their tendency to spread or creep from one part of the skin to another. Cyc. An eruption of vesicles in small distinct clusters, accompanied with itching or tingling; including the shingles, ringworm, &c. Good.