A disease characterized by livid spots, especially about
   the thighs and legs, due to extravasation of blood, and by spongy gums,
   and bleeding from almost all the mucous membranes. It is accompanied by
   paleness, languor, depression, and general debility. It is occasioned
   by confinement, innutritious food, and hard labor, but especially by
   lack of fresh vegetable food, or confinement for a long time to a
   limited range of food, which is incapable of repairing the waste of the
   system. It was formerly prevalent among sailors and soldiers.