lŭes
is, f.
akin to λοιμός; Sanscr. root lū, to cut; cf. λυτήρ, λύτρον, solvo
I.
a plague, pestilence.
I.
Lit., Carm. Fratr. Arv.: dira lues quondam Latias vitiaverat auras, Ov. M. 15, 626: lues et pestifer annus, Verg. A. 3, 139; Mart. 1, 79, 2; Luc. 2, 199; Licin. Macer. ap. Non. 52, 10.—
II.
Transf.
A.
Any spreading evil, common calamity or misfortune; of war: immensa belli lues, Tac. H. 3, 15; of an earthquake, id. A. 2, 47; of a tempest, Sen. Hippol. 1117.—
B.
As a term of abuse, of whatever has a blighting influence, a plague, pest, Cic. Harusp. Resp. 12: saeva Thebarum lues, Sen. Phoen. 131: illa horrida lues, Sil. 10, 603: dira illa lues, id. 16, 622: pellere saevam Quondam fata luem dederunt Aquilone creatis, Val. Fl. 4, 431. —
C.
Decay, corruption: morum, Plin. 29, 1, 8, § 27.