1. [n]  intense nervous anticipation; "in a fever of resentment"
2. [n]  a rise in the temperature of the body; frequently a symptom of infection

1. \Fe"ver\, n. [OE. fever, fefer, AS. fefer, fefor, L.
   febris: cf. F. fi[`e]vre. Cf. {Febrile}.]
   1. (Med.) A diseased state of the system, marked by increased
      heat, acceleration of the pulse, and a general derangement
      of the functions, including usually, thirst and loss of
      appetite. Many diseases, of which fever is the most
      prominent symptom, are denominated fevers; as, typhoid
      fever; yellow fever.
   
   Note: Remitting fevers subside or abate at intervals;
         intermitting fevers intermit or entirely cease at
         intervals; continued or continual fevers neither remit
         nor intermit.
   
   2. Excessive excitement of the passions in consequence of
      strong emotion; a condition of great excitement; as, this
      quarrel has set my blood in a fever.
   
            An envious fever Of pale and bloodless emulation.
                                                  --Shak.
   
            After life's fitful fever he sleeps well. --Shak.
   
   {Brain fever}, {Continued fever}, etc. See under {Brain},
      {Continued}, etc.
   
   {Fever and ague}, a form of fever recurring in paroxysms
      which are preceded by chills. It is of malarial origin.
   
   {Fever blister} (Med.), a blister or vesicle often found
      about the mouth in febrile states; a variety of herpes.
   
   {Fever bush} (Bot.), the wild allspice or spice bush. See
      {Spicewood}.
   
   {Fever powder}. Same as {Jame's powder}.
   
   {Fever root} (Bot.), an American herb of the genus
      {Triosteum} ({T. perfoliatum}); -- called also {feverwort}
      amd {horse gentian}.
   
   {Fever sore}, a carious ulcer or necrosis. --Miner.
   
   

2. \Fe"ver\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Fevered}; p. pr. & vb. n.
   {Fevering}.]
   To put into a fever; to affect with fever; as, a fevered lip.
   [R.]
   
         The white hand of a lady fever thee.     --Shak.
   
   

(Deut. 28:22; Matt. 8:14; Mark 1:30; John 4:52; Acts 28:8), a burning heat, as the word so rendered denotes, which attends all febrile attacks. In all Eastern countries such diseases are very common. Peter's wife's mother is said to have suffered from a "great fever" (Luke 4:38), an instance of Luke's professional exactitude in describing disease. He adopts here the technical medical distinction, as in those times fevers were divided into the "great" and the "less."