Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Pest
Pest
,Noun.
[L.
pestis
: cf. F. peste
.] 1.
A fatal epidemic disease; a pestilence; specif., the plague.
England’s sufferings by that scourge, the
pest
. Cowper.
2.
Anything which resembles a pest; one who, or that which, is troublesome, noxious, mischievous, or destructive; a nuisance.
“A pest and public enemy.” South.
Webster 1828 Edition
Pest
PEST
,Noun.
1.
Plague; pestilence; a fatal epidemic disease. Let fierce Achilles
The god propitiate, and the pest assuage.
2.
Any thing very noxious, mischievous or destructive. The tale bearer, the gambler,the libertine, the drunkard, are pests to society. Of all virtues justice is the best;
Valor without it is a common pest.