n. 1. (Med.) An eruption of small, isolated, acuminated vesicles, produced by the entrance of a parasitic mite (the Sarcoptes scabei), and attended with itching. It is transmissible by contact. [ 1913 Webster ]
2. Any itching eruption. [ 1913 Webster ]
3. A sensation in the skin occasioned (or resembling that occasioned) by the itch eruption; -- called also scabies, psora, etc. [ 1913 Webster ]
4. A constant irritating desire. [ 1913 Webster ]
An itch of being thought a divine king. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]
Baker's itch. See under Baker. --
Barber's itch, sycosis. --
Bricklayer's itch, an eczema of the hands attended with much itching, occurring among bricklayers. --
Grocer's itch, an itching eruption, being a variety of eczema, produced by the sugar mite (Tyrogluphus sacchari). --
Itch insect (Zool.), a small parasitic mite (Sarcoptes scabei) which burrows and breeds beneath the human skin, thus causing the disease known as the itch. See Illust. in Append. --
Itch mite. (Zool.) Same as Itch insect, above. Also, other similar mites affecting the lower animals, as the horse and ox. --
Sugar baker's itch, a variety of eczema, due to the action of sugar upon the skin. --
Washerwoman's itch, eczema of the hands and arms, occurring among washerwomen. [ 1913 Webster ]