prairie itch

DCHP-1 (pre-1967)

This entry may contain outdated or offensive information, terms, and examples.

a form of dermatitis caused by a fresh-water hydra encountered in certain sloughs on the prairie (def. 2a).

Quotations

1904-8

Our experience with the prairie itch was a case in point.

1961

I had the measles and the prairie itch once and the mumps on both sides. I had the black crowing, Ma says, but I never had the worst of all.