n. [ L. concussio, fr. concutere, concussum, to shake violenty; con- + quatere to shake. See Cashier, Quash. ] 1. A shaking or agitation; a shock; caused by the collision of two bodies. [ 1913 Webster ] It is believed that great ringing of bells, in populous cities, hath dissipated pestilent air; which may be from the concussion of the air. Bacon. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. (Med.) A condition of lowered functional activity, without visible structural change, produced in an organ by a shock, as by fall or blow; as, a concussion of the brain. [ 1913 Webster ] 3. (Civil Law) The unlawful forcing of another by threats of violence to yield up something of value. [ 1913 Webster ] Then concussion, rapine, pilleries, Their catalogue of accusations fill. Daniel. [ 1913 Webster ] Concussion fuse (Mil.), one that is ignited by the concussion of the shell when it strikes. Syn. -- See Shock. [ 1913 Webster ] |