Letter P

Peccant

4 views

Unhealthy.

Causing illness or disease.

Peccant is one of those rarely used but apt words.

The behaviors -- overeating, underexercising, an unhealthy diet -- that underlie so much disease today are peccant behaviors.

'...the subtile parts of the tobacco in inspiration are carried into the trachea and lungs, where they loosen the peccant humours adhering thereto, and promote expectoration.' (From the entry to tobacco in the First Edition of the Encyclopædia Britannica, 1771) The word peccant comes from the Latin peccans, from peccare (to sin, to commit a fault, to stumble).

Peccant involves stumbling of a sort -- falling into unhealthy behavior.

Share this definition

Medical disclaimer

The information on this page is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice in any way.

  • It does not replace the advice of a physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional.
  • It does not represent a prescription of drugs, diagnostic exams or therapies.
  • In case of symptoms, doubts or concerns about your health, always consult a qualified physician.

In case of emergency call 911 (US) or 112 (EU).